WaterVerge

Is Pinckney, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MI0005322
Overall Score
91.2 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#88 of 520 in Michigan Top 12% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
91.2/100
waterverge.com
A 91.2/100

Pinckney, MI — Water Quality Report

Pinckney's drinking water received a grade of A (91.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,353 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 4 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.

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

What to know about Pinckney's water

Pinckney ranks #88 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
91.2 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.2/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Pinckney, MI water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Pinckney's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,353 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Pinckney

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pinckney's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.2/100).

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: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

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

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Pinckney's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Pinckney's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2020 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Aug 2019 E. COLI Open
Nov 2015 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Aug 2004 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Livingston County has experienced 3 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 Huron River.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4757
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3225
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-465

Where does Pinckney's water come from?

Pinckney's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,353 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Huron River (river).

What Pinckney 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

Pinckney'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

4
Total violations
1
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Jul 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

4 Total
1 Active
1 Health-based
3 Resolved
1 SNC
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
2
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Ground Water Rule
1
Aug 2019 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2020 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2021
Nov 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2015
Aug 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2004
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Pinckney

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
WYMAN-GORDON CO
Primary Metals · BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC
BRIGHTON, MI48116
9.7 mi
ABRASIVE FINISHING INC
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · NA
CHELSEA, MI48118
9.1 mi
EBERSPAECHER N.A. INC
Transportation Equipment · EBERSPAECHER NORTH AMERICA INC
BRIGHTON, MI48116
9.4 mi
DAPCO INDUSTRIES
Fabricated Metals · DAPCO INDUSTRIES
DEXTER, MI48130
9.6 mi
DEXTER FASTENER TECHNOLOGIES INC
Fabricated Metals · DEXTER FASTENER TECHNOLOGIES INC
DEXTER, MI48130
9.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Pinckney

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

3
Declared disasters
Feb 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Livingston County has experienced 3 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
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3225
Apr 1975
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #465

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,353
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Pinckney's water comes from

Groundwater

Pinckney'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 2,353 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Pinckney

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

Huron River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Pinckney

System Name PWSID Population Source
PINCKNEY, VILLAGE OF MI0005322 2,353 GW
Regional Comparison

How Pinckney compares

Full Michigan rankings →

Pinckney's score of 91.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Pinckney (this city)
91.2
Detroit
84.1
Ann Arbor
51.5
Lansing
57.3
Michigan avg
70
City Profile

About Pinckney, MI

Wikipedia →

Pinckney is a village in Livingston County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,415 at the 2020 census. The village is located within Putnam Township.

Economic Profile
$88,894
Median Income
$230,435
Median Home Value
$974/mo
Median Rent
5.6%
Unemployment
Community
42.1
Median Age
467
People / sq mi
28.5%
College Educated
74.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Pinckney, MI tap water safe to drink?

Pinckney's water quality earned a grade of A (91.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #88 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.

What contaminants are in Pinckney's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.

How is Pinckney'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 Pinckney?

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

Where does Pinckney's water come from?

Pinckney's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,353 residents.

What health violations has Pinckney's water system had?

Pinckney has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Pinckney's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Pinckney 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 4 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 Pinckney's water compare to other cities?

Pinckney ranks #88 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 83% of state cities) and #1818 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.

Does Pinckney's small water system affect quality?

Pinckney's system serves approximately 2,353 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 4 violations on record.