Is Nunica, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Nunica ranks. What to do next ↓
96/100
waterverge.com Nunica, MI — Water Quality Report
Nunica's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,847 residents using purchased surface water.
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.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Nunica's water
Nunica ranks #12 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Nunica may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Nunica has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nunica, MI water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Nunica's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,847 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Nunica
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nunica's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4121). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Nunica's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Flood & environmental risk
Ottawa 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 Pigeon River, Grand River.
Where does Nunica's water come from?
Nunica's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,847 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pigeon River (river), Grand River (river).
What Nunica 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.
Nunica'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Nunica
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Nunica, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JOHNSON TECHNOLOGY INC NORTON SHORES, MI49441 | Nickel | 5 | 8.2 mi |
CONTINENTAL DAIRY FACILITIES LLC COOPERSVILLE, MI49404 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
LINAMAR STRUCTURES (MICHIGAN) FRUITPORT, MI49415 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
NPR OF MICHIGAN GRAND HAVEN, MI49417 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
SHAPE 1820 GRAND HAVEN, MI49417 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Nunica
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.
- SCA INDEPENDENT LANDFILL8.7 mi
- BOFORS NOBEL INC8.8 mi
- THERMO CHEM INC9.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Ottawa 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.
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 Nunica compares by contaminant
Explore where Nunica ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nunica's water comes from
Nunica'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 1,847 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Nunica
Nunica is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Nunica
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CROCKERY TOWNSHIP | MI0001664 | 1,847 | SWP |
How Nunica compares
Full Michigan rankings →Nunica's score of 96/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Nunica, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nunica's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ottawa
Frequently asked questions
Is Nunica, MI tap water safe to drink?
Nunica's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #12 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Nunica's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Nunica'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 Nunica?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nunica's water come from?
Nunica's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,847 residents.
How does Nunica's water compare to other cities?
Nunica ranks #12 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 98% of state cities) and #246 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Nunica's small water system affect quality?
Nunica's system serves approximately 1,847 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 maintained a clean compliance record.