Is East Kingsford, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.6/100
East Kingsford, MI — Water Quality Report
East Kingsford's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about East Kingsford's water
East Kingsford ranks #124 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
East Kingsford 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, East Kingsford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Kingsford, MI water safe to drink?
East Kingsford's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Kingsford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Kingsford's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Kingsford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Kingsford's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Dickinson 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 Menominee River.
Where does East Kingsford's water come from?
East Kingsford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Menominee River (river).
What East Kingsford 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
Flood & disaster history
Dickinson 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Kingsford compares by contaminant
Explore where East Kingsford ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Kingsford's water comes from
East Kingsford 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 East Kingsford'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 1,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near East Kingsford
East Kingsford is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving East Kingsford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BREITUNG TWP.-EAST KINGSFORD | MI0001980 | 1,200 | GWP |
How East Kingsford compares
Full Michigan rankings →East Kingsford's score of 89.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Kingsford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dickinson
Frequently asked questions
Is East Kingsford, MI tap water safe to drink?
East Kingsford's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #124 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in East Kingsford's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is East Kingsford'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 East Kingsford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Kingsford's water come from?
East Kingsford's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 residents.
What health violations has East Kingsford's water system had?
East Kingsford has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is East Kingsford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Kingsford 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 2 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 East Kingsford's water compare to other cities?
East Kingsford ranks #124 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 76% of state cities) and #2722 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Kingsford's small water system affect quality?
East Kingsford's system serves approximately 1,200 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 2 violations on record.