Is Crystal Falls, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.5/100
waterverge.com Crystal Falls, MI — Water Quality Report
Crystal Falls's drinking water received a grade of B (78.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,262 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 32 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Crystal Falls's water
Crystal Falls ranks #379 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Crystal Falls purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Crystal Falls may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Crystal Falls, MI water safe to drink?
Crystal Falls's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,262 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Crystal Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Crystal Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1413). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Crystal Falls'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
Crystal Falls's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Iron County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2002. 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 Brule River, Paint River, Michigamme River, Menominee River.
Where does Crystal Falls's water come from?
Crystal Falls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,262 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Brule River (river), Paint River (river), Michigamme River (river), Menominee River (river).
What Crystal Falls residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Crystal Falls'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
Flood & disaster history
Iron County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2002. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Crystal Falls'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. | 1.1 | 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. | 1.72 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.720 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Crystal Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Crystal Falls ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Crystal Falls's water comes from
Crystal Falls purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Crystal Falls's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,262 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Crystal Falls
Crystal Falls is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Crystal Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRYSTAL FALLS | MI0001700 | 1,922 | GWP |
| CRYSTAL FALLS TOWNSHIP - LIND | MI0003880 | 990 | GW |
| CRYSTAL FALLS TWP - TOWNLINE | MI0006630 | 350 | GW |
How Crystal Falls compares
Full Michigan rankings →Crystal Falls's score of 78.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Crystal Falls, MI
Wikipedia →Crystal Falls is a city in and the county seat of Iron County, Michigan, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 1,598. The city is located within Crystal Falls Township, but is a separate municipal entity. The area first developed as a major center for iron mining and the timber industry; it has become increasingly popular for tourism in recent years.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Crystal Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iron
Frequently asked questions
Is Crystal Falls, MI tap water safe to drink?
Crystal Falls's water quality earned a grade of B (78.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #379 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Crystal Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Crystal Falls'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 Crystal Falls?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Crystal Falls's water come from?
Crystal Falls's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,262 residents.
What health violations has Crystal Falls's water system had?
Crystal Falls has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Crystal Falls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Crystal Falls 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 32 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 Crystal Falls's water compare to other cities?
Crystal Falls ranks #379 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 27% of state cities) and #8665 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.