Is Charlevoix, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.8/100
waterverge.com Charlevoix, MI — Water Quality Report
Charlevoix's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 5,028 residents using surface water.
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 50 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Charlevoix's water
Charlevoix ranks #311 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Charlevoix, MI water safe to drink?
Charlevoix's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 5,028 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Charlevoix
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Charlevoix's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.8/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Charlevoix's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Charlevoix's water system has 50 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Charlevoix 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.
Where does Charlevoix's water come from?
Charlevoix's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 5,028 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Charlevoix residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Charlevoix's water.
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 Charlevoix
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Charlevoix, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ST MARYS CEMENT U.S. LLC CHARLEVOIX, MI49720 | — | — | 2.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Charlevoix 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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Charlevoix compares by contaminant
Explore where Charlevoix ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Charlevoix's water comes from
Charlevoix's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 5,028 people through 6 water systems.
Water systems serving Charlevoix
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHARLEVOIX | MI0001330 | 3,124 | SW |
| CHARLEVOIX TOWNSHIP | MI0001335 | 1,700 | GW |
| PETOSKEY PARK APARTMENTS | MI0005305 | 70 | GW |
| ISLANDVIEW HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION | MI0003452 | 54 | GW |
| NINE MILE POINTE | MI0004753 | 50 | GW |
| OYSTER POINTE CONDOMINIUMS | MI0005150 | 30 | GW |
How Charlevoix compares
Full Michigan rankings →Charlevoix's score of 82.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Charlevoix, MI
Wikipedia →Charlevoix is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the county seat of Charlevoix County. Part of Northern Michigan, Charlevoix is located on an isthmus between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, bisected by the short Pine River. Charlevoix serves as the main access point for Beaver Island, the largest island in Lake Michigan, which can be accessed by Island Airways or carferry. The population of Charlevoix was 2,348 at the 2020 census. Charlevoix is mostly surrounded by Charlevoix Township, but the two are administered autonomously.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Charlevoix's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Charlevoix
Frequently asked questions
Is Charlevoix, MI tap water safe to drink?
Charlevoix's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #311 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Charlevoix's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 50 violations are on record.
How is Charlevoix'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 Charlevoix?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Charlevoix's water come from?
Charlevoix's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 5,028 residents.
What health violations has Charlevoix's water system had?
Charlevoix has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
How does Charlevoix's water compare to other cities?
Charlevoix ranks #311 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 40% of state cities) and #6748 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.