Is Interlochen, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.7/100
waterverge.com Interlochen, MI — Water Quality Report
Interlochen's drinking water received a grade of B (79.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Interlochen's water
Interlochen ranks #357 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Interlochen 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Interlochen may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Interlochen, MI water safe to drink?
Interlochen's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (79.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Interlochen
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Interlochen's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.7/100).
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 Interlochen's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Interlochen's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Grand Traverse 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. Local water sources include Boardman River.
Where does Interlochen's water come from?
Interlochen's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Boardman River (river).
What Interlochen 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.
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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Interlochen
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Interlochen, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRAND TRAVERSE STAMPING TRAVERSE CITY, MI49686 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Grand Traverse 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 Interlochen'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. | 11.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Interlochen compares by contaminant
Explore where Interlochen ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Interlochen's water comes from
Interlochen'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 750 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Interlochen
Interlochen is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Interlochen
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS | MI0003365 | 750 | GW |
How Interlochen compares
Full Michigan rankings →Interlochen's score of 79.7/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Interlochen, MI
Wikipedia →Interlochen is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Grand Traverse County in the U.S. state of Michigan. At the 2020 census, the population was 694, up from 583 at the 2010 census. The community is located within Green Lake Township, and is home to a post office operating with ZIP Code 49643.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Interlochen's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grand Traverse
Frequently asked questions
Is Interlochen, MI tap water safe to drink?
Interlochen's water quality earned a grade of B (79.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #357 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Interlochen's water?
Lead was measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Interlochen'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 Interlochen?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Interlochen's water come from?
Interlochen's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 750 residents.
Is Interlochen's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Interlochen 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 1 violation 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 Interlochen's water compare to other cities?
Interlochen ranks #357 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 31% of state cities) and #8175 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Interlochen's small water system affect quality?
Interlochen's system serves approximately 750 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 1 violation on record.