Is Iron River, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.5/100
waterverge.com Iron River, MI — Water Quality Report
Iron River's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 5,010 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 57 violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Iron River's water
Iron River ranks #322 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Iron River 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 Iron River, MI water safe to drink?
Iron River's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 5,010 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Iron River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Iron River's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1413). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Iron River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Iron River's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Iron County has experienced 2 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 Iron River.
Where does Iron River's water come from?
Iron River's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 5,010 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Iron River (river).
What Iron River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Iron River'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
Flood & disaster history
Iron County has experienced 2 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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Iron River compares by contaminant
Explore where Iron River ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Iron River's water comes from
Iron River'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 5,010 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Iron River
Iron River is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Iron River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRON RIVER | MI0003410 | 3,019 | GW |
| BATES TOWNSHIP | MI0000440 | 921 | GW |
| IRON RIVER TOWNSHIP-BEECHWOOD | MI0000550 | 440 | GW |
| IRON RIVER TOWNSHIP-NASH | MI0004610 | 340 | GW |
| IRON RIVER TOWNSHIP-RYDEN ROAD | MI0005760 | 290 | GW |
How Iron River compares
Full Michigan rankings →Iron River's score of 82.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Iron River, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Iron River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iron
Frequently asked questions
Is Iron River, MI tap water safe to drink?
Iron River's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #322 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Iron River's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is Iron River'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 Iron River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Iron River's water come from?
Iron River's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 5,010 residents.
What health violations has Iron River's water system had?
Iron River has 25 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Iron River's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Iron River 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 57 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 Iron River's water compare to other cities?
Iron River ranks #322 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 38% of state cities) and #6912 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.