Is Mackinaw City, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.4/100
waterverge.com Mackinaw City, MI — Water Quality Report
Mackinaw City's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 982 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 20 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mackinaw City's water
Mackinaw City ranks #324 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Mackinaw City 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, Mackinaw City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mackinaw City, MI water safe to drink?
Mackinaw City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 982 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mackinaw City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mackinaw City's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Mackinaw City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mackinaw City's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cheboygan 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 Mackinaw City's water come from?
Mackinaw City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 982 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Mackinaw City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mackinaw City'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
Cheboygan 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mackinaw City compares by contaminant
Explore where Mackinaw City ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mackinaw City's water comes from
Mackinaw City'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 982 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Mackinaw City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MACKINAW CITY, VILLAGE OF | MI0003980 | 897 | GW |
| TOWN AND COUNTRY MHP | MI0040110 | 85 | GW |
How Mackinaw City compares
Full Michigan rankings →Mackinaw City's score of 82.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Mackinaw City, MI
Wikipedia →Mackinaw City is a village in divided between Cheboygan and Emmet counties in the U.S. state of Michigan. It had a population of 846 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mackinaw City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cheboygan
Frequently asked questions
Is Mackinaw City, MI tap water safe to drink?
Mackinaw City's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #324 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Mackinaw City's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Mackinaw City'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 Mackinaw City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mackinaw City's water come from?
Mackinaw City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 982 residents.
Is Mackinaw City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mackinaw City 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 20 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 Mackinaw City's water compare to other cities?
Mackinaw City ranks #324 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 38% of state cities) and #6999 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.