Is Mackinac Island, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.2/100
waterverge.com Mackinac Island, MI — Water Quality Report
Mackinac Island's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 583 residents using 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mackinac Island's water
Mackinac Island ranks #275 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below 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, Mackinac Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mackinac Island, MI water safe to drink?
Mackinac Island's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 583 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mackinac Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mackinac Island's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Mackinac Island's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mackinac Island's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mackinac 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.
Where does Mackinac Island's water come from?
Mackinac Island's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 583 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Mackinac Island residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mackinac Island'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.
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
Flood & disaster history
Mackinac 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.
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 Mackinac Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Mackinac Island ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mackinac Island's water comes from
Mackinac Island'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 583 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Mackinac Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MACKINAC ISLAND | MI0003970 | 583 | SW |
How Mackinac Island compares
Full Michigan rankings →Mackinac Island's score of 84.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Mackinac Island, MI
Wikipedia →Mackinac Island is a city in Mackinac County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 583 in the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mackinac Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mackinac
Frequently asked questions
Is Mackinac Island, MI tap water safe to drink?
Mackinac Island's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #275 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Mackinac Island's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Mackinac Island'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 Mackinac Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mackinac Island's water come from?
Mackinac Island's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 583 residents.
How does Mackinac Island's water compare to other cities?
Mackinac Island ranks #275 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 47% of state cities) and #6067 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mackinac Island's small water system affect quality?
Mackinac Island's system serves approximately 583 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 8 violations on record.