Is Elk Rapids, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.8/100
waterverge.com Elk Rapids, MI — Water Quality Report
Elk Rapids's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,790 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 19 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elk Rapids's water
Elk Rapids ranks #199 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Elk Rapids 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, Elk Rapids may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elk Rapids, MI water safe to drink?
Elk Rapids's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,790 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elk Rapids
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elk Rapids's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Elk Rapids's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elk Rapids's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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, Spencer Creek, Torch River.
Where does Elk Rapids's water come from?
Elk Rapids's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,790 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), Spencer Creek (river), Torch River (river).
What Elk Rapids residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elk Rapids'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
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.
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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Elk Rapids compares by contaminant
Explore where Elk Rapids ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elk Rapids's water comes from
Elk Rapids'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 1,790 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Elk Rapids
Elk Rapids is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elk Rapids
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELK RAPIDS, VILLAGE OF | MI0002090 | 1,642 | GW |
| MAPLEWOOD RIDGE CONDOMINIUMS | MI0004069 | 80 | GW |
| NORTH SHORE TRAILER PARK | MI0040432 | 68 | GW |
How Elk Rapids compares
Full Michigan rankings →Elk Rapids's score of 86.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Elk Rapids, MI
Wikipedia →Elk Rapids is a village in the U.S. state of Michigan. The village is the largest incorporated community in Antrim County, with a population of 1,529 at the 2020 census. The village is located within Elk Rapids Township, in the southwest of Antrim County, and is on the shore of Grand Traverse Bay, a bay of Lake Michigan. Elk Rapids is located about 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Bellaire, the county seat, and about 13 miles (21 km) northeast of Traverse City, the largest city in Northern Michigan.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elk Rapids's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Antrim
Frequently asked questions
Is Elk Rapids, MI tap water safe to drink?
Elk Rapids's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #199 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Elk Rapids's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Elk Rapids'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 Elk Rapids?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elk Rapids's water come from?
Elk Rapids's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,790 residents.
What health violations has Elk Rapids's water system had?
Elk Rapids has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Elk Rapids's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elk Rapids 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 19 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 Elk Rapids's water compare to other cities?
Elk Rapids ranks #199 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 62% of state cities) and #4460 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.