Is Manistique, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88.5/100
waterverge.com Manistique, MI — Water Quality Report
Manistique's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,197 residents using surface water.
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 10 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Manistique's water
Manistique ranks #155 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Manistique may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Manistique, MI water safe to drink?
Manistique's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,197 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Manistique
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Manistique's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Manistique's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Manistique's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Schoolcraft 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. Local water sources include Manistique River.
Where does Manistique's water come from?
Manistique's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,197 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Manistique River (river).
What Manistique 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.
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 Manistique
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Manistique, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PROAMPAC MANISTIQUE, MI49854 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Schoolcraft 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Manistique's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.93 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.930 mg/L (1992)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Manistique compares by contaminant
Explore where Manistique ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Manistique's water comes from
Manistique'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 3,197 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Manistique
Manistique is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Manistique
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANISTIQUE | MI0004040 | 3,197 | SW |
How Manistique compares
Full Michigan rankings →Manistique's score of 88.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Manistique, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Manistique's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Schoolcraft
Frequently asked questions
Is Manistique, MI tap water safe to drink?
Manistique's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #155 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Manistique's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Manistique'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 Manistique?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Manistique's water come from?
Manistique's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,197 residents.
What health violations has Manistique's water system had?
Manistique has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Manistique's water compare to other cities?
Manistique ranks #155 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 70% of state cities) and #3416 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Manistique's small water system affect quality?
Manistique's system serves approximately 3,197 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 10 violations on record.