Is Newberry, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.7/100
waterverge.com Newberry, MI — Water Quality Report
Newberry's drinking water received a grade of B (77.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,558 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 89 violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newberry's water
Newberry ranks #387 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Newberry 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.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newberry, MI water safe to drink?
Newberry's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,558 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Newberry
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newberry's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.7/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Newberry's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Newberry's water system has 89 total violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Luce 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 Newberry's water come from?
Newberry's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,558 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Newberry residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newberry'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Newberry
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Newberry, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LOUISIANA PACIFIC CORPORATION-NEWBERRY NEWBERRY, MI49868 | — | — | 1.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Luce 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Newberry compares by contaminant
Explore where Newberry ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newberry's water comes from
Newberry'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 3,558 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Newberry
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWBERRY WATER & LIGHT | MI0004720 | 2,000 | GW |
| NEWBERRY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY | MI0004730 | 1,108 | GW |
| PENTLAND TOWNSHIP | MI0005240 | 450 | GW |
How Newberry compares
Full Michigan rankings →Newberry's score of 77.7/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Newberry, MI
Wikipedia →Newberry is a village in and the county seat of Luce County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The village is located within McMillan Township and is the only incorporated community in Luce County. The population was 1,446 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newberry's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Luce
Frequently asked questions
Is Newberry, MI tap water safe to drink?
Newberry's water quality earned a grade of B (77.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #387 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Newberry's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 89 violations are on record.
How is Newberry'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 Newberry?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newberry's water come from?
Newberry's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,558 residents.
What health violations has Newberry's water system had?
Newberry has 31 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Newberry's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Newberry 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 89 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 Newberry's water compare to other cities?
Newberry ranks #387 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 26% of state cities) and #8913 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.