Is Munising, 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 ↓
91.4/100
waterverge.com Munising, MI — Water Quality Report
Munising's drinking water received a grade of A (91.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,248 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 14 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Munising's water
Munising ranks #83 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Munising 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, Munising may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Munising, MI water safe to drink?
Munising's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,248 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Munising
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Munising's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Munising's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Munising's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Alger 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 Miners River Nr Munising.
Where does Munising's water come from?
Munising's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,248 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Miners River Nr Munising (river).
What Munising 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 Munising
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Munising, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 16 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NEENAH PAPER MICHIGAN INC. MUNISING, MI49862 | Lead | 16 | 2.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Alger 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Munising compares by contaminant
Explore where Munising ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Munising's water comes from
Munising'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 3,248 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Munising
Munising is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Munising
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUNISING | MI0004560 | 2,783 | GW |
| MUNISING INDUSTRIAL PARK | MI0004561 | 465 | GW |
How Munising compares
Full Michigan rankings →Munising's score of 91.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Munising, MI
Wikipedia →Munising is a city in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the county seat of Alger County, Michigan. The population was 1,986 at the 2020 census. The city is partially surrounded by Munising Township, but the two are administered autonomously.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Munising's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Alger
Frequently asked questions
Is Munising, MI tap water safe to drink?
Munising's water quality earned a grade of A (91.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #83 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Munising's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Munising'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 Munising?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Munising's water come from?
Munising's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,248 residents.
What health violations has Munising's water system had?
Munising has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Munising's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Munising 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 14 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 Munising's water compare to other cities?
Munising ranks #83 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 84% of state cities) and #1706 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.