Is Harbor Beach, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.8/100
waterverge.com Harbor Beach, MI — Water Quality Report
Harbor Beach's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,079 residents using surface water.
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 11 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Harbor Beach's water
Harbor Beach ranks #150 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Harbor Beach may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Harbor Beach, MI water safe to drink?
Harbor Beach's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,079 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Harbor Beach
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Harbor Beach's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.8/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Harbor Beach's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Harbor Beach's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Huron County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Harbor Beach's water come from?
Harbor Beach's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,079 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Harbor Beach residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Harbor Beach'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.
Harbor Beach'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 Harbor Beach
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Harbor Beach, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SENSIENT FLAVORS LLC HARBOR BEACH, MI48441 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE LLC - HARBOR BEACH OPERATIONS HARBOR BEACH, MI48441 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Huron County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Harbor Beach compares by contaminant
Explore where Harbor Beach ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Harbor Beach's water comes from
Harbor Beach'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 2,079 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Harbor Beach
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARBOR BEACH, CITY OF | MI0003000 | 1,604 | SW |
| SAND BEACH TOWNSHIP | MI0005903 | 475 | SWP |
How Harbor Beach compares
Full Michigan rankings →Harbor Beach's score of 88.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Harbor Beach, MI
Wikipedia →Harbor Beach is a city in Huron County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,604 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Harbor Beach's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Huron
Frequently asked questions
Is Harbor Beach, MI tap water safe to drink?
Harbor Beach's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #150 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Harbor Beach's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Harbor Beach'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 Harbor Beach?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Harbor Beach's water come from?
Harbor Beach's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,079 residents.
What health violations has Harbor Beach's water system had?
Harbor Beach has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Harbor Beach's water compare to other cities?
Harbor Beach ranks #150 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 71% of state cities) and #3241 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.