Is Linwood, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.2/100
waterverge.com Linwood, MI — Water Quality Report
Linwood's drinking water received a grade of A (90.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 909 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 12 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Linwood's water
Linwood ranks #113 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Linwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Linwood, MI water safe to drink?
Linwood's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 909 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Linwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Linwood's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Linwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Linwood's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Bay County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Kawkawlin River, Saginaw River.
Where does Linwood's water come from?
Linwood's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 909 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Kawkawlin River (river), Saginaw River (river).
What Linwood 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.
Linwood'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
Flood & disaster history
Bay County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Linwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Linwood ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Linwood's water comes from
Linwood's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 909 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Linwood
Linwood is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Linwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LINWOOD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT | MI0003910 | 909 | SWP |
How Linwood compares
Full Michigan rankings →Linwood's score of 90.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Linwood, MI
Wikipedia →Linwood is a small unincorporated community in the northern portion of Bay County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The community is on the boundary between Fraser Township on the north and Kawkawlin Township on the south. It is situated with M-13 to the west and the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron on the east, between Kaiser Tower Road and Elevator Road where Linwood Road becomes Center Street. Bay City is about 12 miles to the south and Linwood is included in the Bay City Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Linwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bay
Frequently asked questions
Is Linwood, MI tap water safe to drink?
Linwood's water quality earned a grade of A (90.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #113 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Linwood's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Linwood'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 Linwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Linwood's water come from?
Linwood's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 909 residents.
What health violations has Linwood's water system had?
Linwood has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Linwood's water compare to other cities?
Linwood ranks #113 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 78% of state cities) and #2376 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Linwood's small water system affect quality?
Linwood's system serves approximately 909 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 12 violations on record.