Is Farwell, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.4/100
waterverge.com Farwell, MI — Water Quality Report
Farwell's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 942 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 23 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Farwell's water
Farwell ranks #158 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Farwell 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, Farwell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Farwell, MI water safe to drink?
Farwell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 942 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Farwell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Farwell's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-774). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Farwell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Farwell's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clare County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Farwell's water come from?
Farwell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 942 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Farwell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Farwell'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.
Farwell'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 Farwell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Farwell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LEAR CORP FARWELL PLANT FARWELL, MI48622 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
MELLING PRODUCTS NORTH LLC FARWELL, MI48622 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Farwell
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.
- CLARE WATER SUPPLY5.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Clare County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Farwell compares by contaminant
Explore where Farwell ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Farwell's water comes from
Farwell'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 942 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Farwell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FARWELL, VILLAGE OF | MI0002250 | 871 | GW |
| NORTH WOODS NURSING CENTER | MI0060238 | 71 | GW |
How Farwell compares
Full Michigan rankings →Farwell's score of 88.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Farwell, MI
Wikipedia →Farwell is a village in Clare County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 880 at the 2020 census. The village is located within Surrey Township about 4.0 miles (6.4 km) west of the city of Clare.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Farwell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clare
Frequently asked questions
Is Farwell, MI tap water safe to drink?
Farwell's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #158 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Farwell's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Farwell'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 Farwell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Farwell's water come from?
Farwell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 942 residents.
What health violations has Farwell's water system had?
Farwell has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Farwell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Farwell 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 23 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 Farwell's water compare to other cities?
Farwell ranks #158 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 70% of state cities) and #3478 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.