Is Grayling, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.1/100
waterverge.com Grayling, MI — Water Quality Report
Grayling's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,909 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 4 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grayling's water
Grayling ranks #139 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Grayling 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, Grayling may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grayling, MI water safe to drink?
Grayling's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,909 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Grayling
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grayling's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-465). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grayling's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Grayling's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Crawford County has experienced 2 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 Manistee River.
Where does Grayling's water come from?
Grayling's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,909 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Manistee River (river).
What Grayling 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.
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 Grayling
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grayling, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BAKELITE CHEMICALS LLC GRAYLING, MI49738 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
WEYERHAEUSER NR CO GRAYLING, MI49738 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD CAMP GRAYLING JMTC NORTH RANGES CAMP GRAYLING, MI49739 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
ARAUCO NA GRAYLING PARTICLEBOARD GRAYLING, MI49738 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD CAMP GRAYLING JMTC SOUTH CAMP GRAYLING, MI49739 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Crawford County has experienced 2 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Grayling compares by contaminant
Explore where Grayling ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grayling's water comes from
Grayling'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 1,909 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Grayling
Grayling is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Grayling
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAYLING, CITY OF | MI0002840 | 1,884 | GW |
| BEAVER CREEK-GRAYLING TOWNSHIPS UA | MI0000513 | 25 | GW |
How Grayling compares
Full Michigan rankings →Grayling's score of 89.1/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Grayling, MI
Wikipedia →Grayling is a city in and the county seat of Crawford County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the only incorporated community in Crawford County. As of the 2020 census, Grayling had a population of 1,867. The city is surrounded by Grayling Charter Township, but the two are administered autonomously.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grayling's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crawford
Frequently asked questions
Is Grayling, MI tap water safe to drink?
Grayling's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #139 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Grayling's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Grayling'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 Grayling?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grayling's water come from?
Grayling's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,909 residents.
What health violations has Grayling's water system had?
Grayling has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Grayling's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Grayling 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 4 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 Grayling's water compare to other cities?
Grayling ranks #139 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 73% of state cities) and #3030 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.