Is Harbor Springs, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Harbor Springs, MI — Water Quality Report
Harbor Springs's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 18 water systems serve approximately 6,671 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 323 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 46 remain unresolved.
What to know about Harbor Springs's water
Harbor Springs ranks #503 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Harbor Springs 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 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Harbor Springs, MI water safe to drink?
Harbor Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 18 water systems serve approximately 6,671 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Harbor Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Harbor Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
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 Harbor Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Harbor Springs's water system has 323 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 46 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Emmet 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 Harbor Springs's water come from?
Harbor Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 18 water systems serving approximately 6,671 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Harbor Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Harbor Springs'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Harbor Springs
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- PMC GROUNDWATER4.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Emmet 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Harbor Springs's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (2016)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Harbor Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Harbor Springs ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Harbor Springs's water comes from
Harbor Springs'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 6,671 people through 18 water systems.
Water systems serving Harbor Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIRCHWOOD FARMS | MI0000725 | 1,227 | GW |
| HARBOR SPRINGS, CITY OF | MI0003010 | 1,194 | GW |
| LITTLE TRAVERSE TOWNSHIP | MI0003927 | 1,102 | GW |
| TROUT CREEK CONDOMINIUMS | MI0006682 | 492 | GW |
| HIDDEN HAMLET ASSOCIATION | MI0003132 | 465 | GW |
| HIGHLANDS AT HARBOR SPRINGS | MI0000813 | 450 | GW |
| WEST TRAVERSE TOWNSHIP | MI0007057 | 414 | GWP |
| L'ARBRE CROCHE CLUB | MI0003685 | 330 | GW |
| HARBOR SPRINGS AREA AUTHORITY | MI0003015 | 303 | GW |
| HAMLET WEST PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOC | MI0002945 | 133 | GW |
| HAMLET VILLAGE CONDOMINIUMS ASSOCIATION | MI0002944 | 126 | GW |
| WAH WAHS NOO DA KE | 055293801 | 99 | GW |
| STONEHEDGE CLUB OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. | MI0006428 | 95 | GW |
| HARBOR HILLS SUBDIVISION ASSOCIATION | MI0003005 | 65 | GW |
| THE SHORES ON CROOKED LAKE | MI0006574 | 57 | GW |
| BOYNAIRE LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION | MI0000799 | 54 | GW |
| MTIGWAAKIIS | 055293802 | 35 | GW |
| WINDJAMMER COVE COMMUNITY SYSTEM BOARD | MI0007126 | 30 | GW |
How Harbor Springs compares
Full Michigan rankings →Harbor Springs's score of 46/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →ZIP codes served by Harbor Springs
The water systems serving Harbor Springs cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Harbor Springs, MI
Wikipedia →Harbor Springs is a city and resort community in Emmet County, Michigan, United States. The population was 1,274 in the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Harbor Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Emmet
Frequently asked questions
Is Harbor Springs, MI tap water safe to drink?
Harbor Springs's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #503 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Harbor Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 323 violations are on record.
How is Harbor Springs'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 Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Harbor Springs's water come from?
Harbor Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 18 water systems serving approximately 6,671 residents.
What health violations has Harbor Springs's water system had?
Harbor Springs has 27 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 46 violations remain unresolved.
Is Harbor Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Harbor Springs 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 323 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 Harbor Springs's water compare to other cities?
Harbor Springs ranks #503 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 3% of state cities) and #13944 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.