Is Gladwin, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 31 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
58.4/100
waterverge.com Gladwin, MI — Water Quality Report
Gladwin's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 3,566 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 66 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gladwin's water
Gladwin ranks #478 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Gladwin 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.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gladwin, MI water safe to drink?
Gladwin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 3,566 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gladwin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gladwin's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
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 Gladwin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gladwin's water system has 66 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 31 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gladwin County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Tittabawassee River, South Branch Tobacco River, Tobacco River.
Where does Gladwin's water come from?
Gladwin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 3,566 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tittabawassee River (river), South Branch Tobacco River (river), Tobacco River (river).
What Gladwin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gladwin'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
Gladwin County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Gladwin compares by contaminant
Explore where Gladwin ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gladwin's water comes from
Gladwin'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 3,566 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Gladwin
Gladwin is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gladwin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLADWIN, CITY OF | MI0002650 | 2,933 | GW |
| SILVER CREEK ESTATES MOBILE HOME COURT | MI0040519 | 260 | GW |
| LAKESHORE VILLAGE | MI0040169 | 118 | GW |
| LAKESHORE ESTATES MHP | MI0040034 | 115 | GW |
| GLADWIN NURSING AND REHABILITATION COMMU | MI0062653 | 60 | GW |
| SOUTH POINTE II APARTMENTS | MI0006116 | 48 | GW |
| SOUTH POINTE III APARTMENTS | MI0006117 | 32 | GW |
How Gladwin compares
Full Michigan rankings →Gladwin's score of 58.4/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Gladwin, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gladwin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gladwin
Frequently asked questions
Is Gladwin, MI tap water safe to drink?
Gladwin's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #478 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Gladwin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 66 violations are on record.
How is Gladwin'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 Gladwin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gladwin's water come from?
Gladwin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 3,566 residents.
What health violations has Gladwin's water system had?
Gladwin has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 31 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gladwin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gladwin 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 66 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 Gladwin's water compare to other cities?
Gladwin ranks #478 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 8% of state cities) and #12282 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.