WaterVerge

Is Muir, 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 ↓

604 residents served 1 water system PWSID: MI0004550
Overall Score
93.5 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#40 of 520 in Michigan Top 5% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
93.5/100
waterverge.com
A 93.5/100

Muir, MI — Water Quality Report

Muir's drinking water received a grade of A (93.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 604 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 11 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Muir's water

Muir ranks #40 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Muir 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, Muir may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
93.5 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.5/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Muir, MI water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Muir's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 604 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
1.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Muir

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Muir's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.5/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4121). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Muir's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Muir's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2018 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2015 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2015 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Oct 2007 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Sep 2007 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Ionia County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Grand River.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4757
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4121
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3225

Where does Muir's water come from?

Muir's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 604 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Grand River (river).

What Muir residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Muir'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 12% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

11
Total violations
4
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Oct 2018
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

11 Total
2 Active
4 Health-based
9 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
7
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Oct 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2016
Oct 2015 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2016
Oct 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2007
Sep 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2007
Sep 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2007
Jan 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 1999
Dec 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1998
Dec 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1998
Dec 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Muir

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Muir, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
VENTRA IONIA MAIN LLC
Transportation Equipment · FLEX-N-GATE CORP
IONIA, MI48846
4.9 mi
VENTRA IONIA PAINT LLC
Transportation Equipment · FLEX-N-GATE CORP
IONIA, MI48846
7.1 mi
ADM ANIMAL NUTRITION
Food · ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND CO
PORTLAND, MI48875
9.1 mi
THK RHYTHM AUTOMOTIVE
Transportation Equipment · NA
PORTLAND, MI48875
8.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Muir

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Feb 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Ionia County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Feb 2024
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4757
Jun 2013
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4121
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3225
Sep 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #774
Apr 1975
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #465

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.8 ppb (2024)

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
604
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Muir's water comes from

Groundwater

Muir'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 604 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Muir

Muir is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Grand River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Muir

System Name PWSID Population Source
MUIR MI0004550 604 GW
Regional Comparison

How Muir compares

Full Michigan rankings →

Muir's score of 93.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Muir (this city)
93.5
Detroit
84.1
Ann Arbor
51.5
Lansing
57.3
Michigan avg
70
City Profile

About Muir, MI

Economic Profile
$49,297
Median Income
$123,106
Median Home Value
$520/mo
Median Rent
9.2%
Unemployment
Community
33
Median Age
321
People / sq mi
5.7%
College Educated
51%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Muir, MI tap water safe to drink?

Muir's water quality earned a grade of A (93.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #40 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.

What contaminants are in Muir's water?

Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.

How is Muir'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 Muir?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Muir's water come from?

Muir's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 604 residents.

What health violations has Muir's water system had?

Muir has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Muir's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Muir 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 11 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 Muir's water compare to other cities?

Muir ranks #40 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 92% of state cities) and #832 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Muir's small water system affect quality?

Muir's system serves approximately 604 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 11 violations on record.