Is Lake Linden, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.1/100
waterverge.com Lake Linden, MI — Water Quality Report
Lake Linden's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,203 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 15 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Linden's water
Lake Linden ranks #446 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lake Linden 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, Lake Linden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Linden, MI water safe to drink?
Lake Linden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,203 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Linden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Linden's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4381). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4121). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Linden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lake Linden's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Houghton County has experienced 4 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 Pilgrim River, Trap Rock River.
Where does Lake Linden's water come from?
Lake Linden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,203 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pilgrim River (river), Trap Rock River (river).
What Lake Linden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake Linden'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.
Lake Linden'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 Lake Linden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake Linden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CALUMET ELECTRONICS CORP CALUMET, MI49913 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
WARM RAIN CORP CALUMET, MI49913 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
KOPPERS PERFORMANCE CHEMICALS HUBBELL, MI49934 | — | — | 1.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lake Linden
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.
- TORCH LAKE1.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Houghton County has experienced 4 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.3 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Lake Linden compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Linden ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Linden's water comes from
Lake Linden'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 1,203 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lake Linden
Lake Linden is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake Linden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE LINDEN | MI0003720 | 1,203 | GW |
How Lake Linden compares
Full Michigan rankings →Lake Linden's score of 70.1/100 is on par with 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 Lake Linden, MI
Wikipedia →Lake Linden is a village in Houghton County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,020 at the 2020 census. The village is mostly within Schoolcraft Township, though a tiny portion lies in Torch Lake Township.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Linden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Houghton
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Linden, MI tap water safe to drink?
Lake Linden's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #446 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Lake Linden's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Lake Linden'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 Lake Linden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Linden's water come from?
Lake Linden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,203 residents.
What health violations has Lake Linden's water system had?
Lake Linden has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake Linden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Linden 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 15 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 Lake Linden's water compare to other cities?
Lake Linden ranks #446 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 14% of state cities) and #10809 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lake Linden's small water system affect quality?
Lake Linden's system serves approximately 1,203 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 15 violations on record.