Is Ithaca, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
63.5/100
waterverge.com Ithaca, MI — Water Quality Report
Ithaca's drinking water received a grade of C (63.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,143 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 22 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ithaca's water
Ithaca ranks #465 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Ithaca 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.
As a small community water system, Ithaca may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ithaca, MI water safe to drink?
Ithaca's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,143 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ithaca
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ithaca's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Ithaca's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ithaca's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gratiot County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Ithaca's water come from?
Ithaca's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,143 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ithaca residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ithaca'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.
Ithaca'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 Ithaca
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ithaca, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALUDYNE N.A. LLC - ALMA ALMA, MI48801 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
MICHIGAN PAVING & MATERIALS CO ALMA, MI48801 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
AGROLIQUID - ASHLEY ASHLEY, MI48806 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
HUTCHINSON AEROSPACE & INDUSTRY ITHACA, MI48847 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
AIRCRAFT PRECISION PRODUCTS INC. ITHACA, MI48847 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Ithaca
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.
- GRATIOT COUNTY LANDFILL7.2 mi
- VELSICOL CHEMICAL CORP MICHIGAN8.3 mi
- VELSICOL BURN PIT8.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Gratiot County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ithaca compares by contaminant
Explore where Ithaca ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ithaca's water comes from
Ithaca'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 3,143 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Ithaca
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITHACA, CITY OF | MI0003460 | 3,098 | GW |
| MAPLEVIEW NURSING HOME | MI0064070 | 45 | GW |
How Ithaca compares
Full Michigan rankings →Ithaca's score of 63.5/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Ithaca, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ithaca's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gratiot
Frequently asked questions
Is Ithaca, MI tap water safe to drink?
Ithaca's water quality earned a grade of C (63.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #465 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Ithaca's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Ithaca'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 Ithaca?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ithaca's water come from?
Ithaca's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,143 residents.
What health violations has Ithaca's water system had?
Ithaca has 2 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ithaca's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ithaca 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 22 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 Ithaca's water compare to other cities?
Ithaca ranks #465 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 11% of state cities) and #11750 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.