Is Dollar Bay, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Dollar Bay, MI — Water Quality Report
Dollar Bay's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,391 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.6 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 11 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dollar Bay's water
Dollar Bay ranks #295 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Dollar Bay 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, Dollar Bay may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dollar Bay, MI water safe to drink?
Dollar Bay's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,391 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dollar Bay
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dollar Bay's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4381). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4121). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dollar Bay's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dollar Bay's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Houghton County has experienced 4 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 Pilgrim River, Trap Rock River.
Where does Dollar Bay's water come from?
Dollar Bay's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,391 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pilgrim River (river), Trap Rock River (river).
What Dollar Bay residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dollar Bay'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Dollar Bay's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
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 Dollar Bay
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dollar Bay, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CALUMET ELECTRONICS CORP CALUMET, MI49913 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
WARM RAIN CORP CALUMET, MI49913 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
KOPPERS PERFORMANCE CHEMICALS HUBBELL, MI49934 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Dollar Bay
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- TORCH LAKE5.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Houghton County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2002. 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. | 3.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.6 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Dollar Bay compares by contaminant
Explore where Dollar Bay ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dollar Bay's water comes from
Dollar Bay'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 1,391 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dollar Bay
Dollar Bay is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dollar Bay
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSCEOLA TOWNSHIP | MI0001840 | 1,391 | GW |
How Dollar Bay compares
Full Michigan rankings →Dollar Bay's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Dollar Bay, MI
Wikipedia →Dollar Bay is a census-designated place (CDP) in Houghton County, Michigan, United States. The population was 1,082 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dollar Bay's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Houghton
Frequently asked questions
Is Dollar Bay, MI tap water safe to drink?
Dollar Bay's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #295 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Dollar Bay's water?
Lead was measured at 3.6 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Dollar Bay'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 Dollar Bay?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dollar Bay's water come from?
Dollar Bay's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,391 residents.
What health violations has Dollar Bay's water system had?
Dollar Bay has 5 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dollar Bay's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dollar Bay 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 11 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 Dollar Bay's water compare to other cities?
Dollar Bay ranks #295 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 43% of state cities) and #6408 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dollar Bay's small water system affect quality?
Dollar Bay's system serves approximately 1,391 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 11 violations on record.