Is Central Lake, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
89.4/100
waterverge.com Central Lake, MI — Water Quality Report
Central Lake's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 952 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 47 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Central Lake's water
Central Lake ranks #129 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Central Lake relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Central Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Central Lake, MI water safe to drink?
Central Lake's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 952 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Central Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Central Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.4/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Central Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Central Lake's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Antrim County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Clam Lake Outlet To Torch Lake Nr Alden,Mi, Intermediate Lake.
Where does Central Lake's water come from?
Central Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 952 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Clam Lake Outlet To Torch Lake Nr Alden,Mi (river), Intermediate Lake (lake).
What Central Lake residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Central Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Central Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DAYTON LAMINA CORP BELLAIRE, MI49615 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Antrim County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Central Lake's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.36 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.360 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Central Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Central Lake ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Central Lake's water comes from
Central Lake's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 952 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Central Lake
Central Lake is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Central Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CENTRAL LAKE, VILLAGE OF | MI0001300 | 952 | GW |
How Central Lake compares
Full Michigan rankings →Central Lake's score of 89.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Central Lake, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Central Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Antrim
Frequently asked questions
Is Central Lake, MI tap water safe to drink?
Central Lake's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #129 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Central Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Central Lake's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Central Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Central Lake's water come from?
Central Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 952 residents.
What health violations has Central Lake's water system had?
Central Lake has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Central Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Central Lake uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 47 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Central Lake's water compare to other cities?
Central Lake ranks #129 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 75% of state cities) and #2853 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Central Lake's small water system affect quality?
Central Lake's system serves approximately 952 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 47 violations on record.