Is Glen Arbor, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.1/100
waterverge.com Glen Arbor, MI — Water Quality Report
Glen Arbor's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,447 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 61 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glen Arbor's water
Glen Arbor ranks #354 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Glen Arbor 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, Glen Arbor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glen Arbor, MI water safe to drink?
Glen Arbor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,447 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Glen Arbor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glen Arbor's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Glen Arbor's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Glen Arbor's water system has 61 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Leelanau 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.
Where does Glen Arbor's water come from?
Glen Arbor's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,447 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Glen Arbor residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glen Arbor'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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
Leelanau 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Glen Arbor compares by contaminant
Explore where Glen Arbor ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glen Arbor's water comes from
Glen Arbor'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,447 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Glen Arbor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOMESTEAD/CRYSTAL RIVER WATER CO | MI0007103 | 1,365 | GW |
| THE LEELANAU SCHOOL | MI0003831 | 82 | GW |
How Glen Arbor compares
Full Michigan rankings →Glen Arbor's score of 80.1/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glen Arbor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Leelanau
Frequently asked questions
Is Glen Arbor, MI tap water safe to drink?
Glen Arbor's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #354 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Glen Arbor's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 61 violations are on record.
How is Glen Arbor'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 Glen Arbor?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glen Arbor's water come from?
Glen Arbor's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,447 residents.
What health violations has Glen Arbor's water system had?
Glen Arbor has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Glen Arbor's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Glen Arbor 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 61 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 Glen Arbor's water compare to other cities?
Glen Arbor ranks #354 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 32% of state cities) and #8017 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.