Is Gwinn, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Gwinn, MI — Water Quality Report
Gwinn's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,514 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 35 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gwinn's water
Gwinn ranks #203 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Gwinn 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gwinn, MI water safe to drink?
Gwinn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,514 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gwinn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gwinn's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Gwinn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gwinn's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marquette County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2002. 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 Middle Branch Escanaba River Nr Princeton.
Where does Gwinn's water come from?
Gwinn's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 5,514 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Middle Branch Escanaba River Nr Princeton (river).
What Gwinn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gwinn'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.
Gwinn'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 Gwinn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gwinn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POTLATCHDELTIC LAND & LUMBER LLC. GWINN, MI49841 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Marquette County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2002. 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: 2.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Gwinn compares by contaminant
Explore where Gwinn ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gwinn's water comes from
Gwinn'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 5,514 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Gwinn
Gwinn is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gwinn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| K I SAWYER | MI0003510 | 3,000 | GW |
| FORSYTH TOWNSHIP | MI0002370 | 2,479 | GW |
| COUNTRY LOG APTS | MI0001653 | 35 | GW |
How Gwinn compares
Full Michigan rankings →Gwinn's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Gwinn, MI
Wikipedia →Gwinn is an unincorporated community in Marquette County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes and has no legal status as an incorporated municipality. The population of the CDP was 1,784 at the 2020 census. The community is located within Forsyth Township.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gwinn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marquette
Frequently asked questions
Is Gwinn, MI tap water safe to drink?
Gwinn's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #203 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Gwinn's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Gwinn'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 Gwinn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gwinn's water come from?
Gwinn's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 5,514 residents.
What health violations has Gwinn's water system had?
Gwinn has 20 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gwinn's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gwinn 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 35 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 Gwinn's water compare to other cities?
Gwinn ranks #203 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 61% of state cities) and #4504 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.