Is Ferrysburg, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.6/100
waterverge.com Ferrysburg, MI — Water Quality Report
Ferrysburg's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,268 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Ferrysburg's water
Ferrysburg ranks #262 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Ferrysburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ferrysburg, MI water safe to drink?
Ferrysburg's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,268 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ferrysburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ferrysburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4121). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Ferrysburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ferrysburg's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ottawa County has experienced 5 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. Local water sources include Pigeon River.
Where does Ferrysburg's water come from?
Ferrysburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,268 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pigeon River (river).
What Ferrysburg 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.
Ferrysburg'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 Ferrysburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ferrysburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 635 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CANNON-MUSKEGON MUSKEGON, MI49441 | Nickel | 625 | 8.7 mi |
JOHNSON TECHNOLOGY INC NORTON SHORES, MI49441 | Nickel | 5 | 3.8 mi |
JOHNSON TECHNOLOGY INC MUSKEGON, MI49442 | Nickel | 5 | 8.9 mi |
CWC TEXTRON MUSKEGON, MI49441 | Copper | 0 | 8.4 mi |
LINAMAR STRUCTURES (MICHIGAN) FRUITPORT, MI49415 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Ferrysburg
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.
- PEERLESS PLATING CO8.2 mi
- KAYDON CORP8.5 mi
- SCA INDEPENDENT LANDFILL8.9 mi
- THERMO CHEM INC9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Ottawa County has experienced 5 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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ferrysburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Ferrysburg ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ferrysburg's water comes from
Ferrysburg's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,268 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ferrysburg
Ferrysburg is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Ferrysburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FERRYSBURG | MI0002285 | 3,268 | SWP |
How Ferrysburg compares
Full Michigan rankings →Ferrysburg's score of 84.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Ferrysburg, MI
Wikipedia →Ferrysburg is a city in Ottawa County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, Ferrysburg had a population of 2,952.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ferrysburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ottawa
Frequently asked questions
Is Ferrysburg, MI tap water safe to drink?
Ferrysburg's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #262 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Ferrysburg's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Ferrysburg'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 Ferrysburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ferrysburg's water come from?
Ferrysburg's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,268 residents.
How does Ferrysburg's water compare to other cities?
Ferrysburg ranks #262 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 50% of state cities) and #5775 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ferrysburg's small water system affect quality?
Ferrysburg's system serves approximately 3,268 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 1 violation on record.