Is Port Austin, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.2/100
waterverge.com Port Austin, MI — Water Quality Report
Port Austin's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,357 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 20 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Port Austin's water
Port Austin ranks #194 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Port Austin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Port Austin, MI water safe to drink?
Port Austin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,357 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Port Austin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Port Austin's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.2/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-774). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Port Austin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Port Austin's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Huron County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Pinnebog River, Willow Creek.
Where does Port Austin's water come from?
Port Austin's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,357 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pinnebog River (river), Willow Creek (river).
What Port Austin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Port Austin'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.
Port Austin'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 ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Huron County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Port Austin compares by contaminant
Explore where Port Austin ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Port Austin's water comes from
Port Austin'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 1,357 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Port Austin
Port Austin 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 Port Austin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORT AUSTIN AREA SEWER & WATER | MI0005460 | 1,004 | SWP |
| POINTE AUX BARQUES TOWNSHIP | MI0005430 | 178 | SWP |
| HURON DUNES SUBDIVISION | MI0003315 | 175 | GW |
| HURON REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY | MI0003317 | — | SW |
How Port Austin compares
Full Michigan rankings →Port Austin's score of 87.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Port Austin, MI
Wikipedia →Port Austin is a village in Huron County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, Port Austin had a population of 622. The village is within Port Austin Township.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Port Austin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Huron
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Austin, MI tap water safe to drink?
Port Austin's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #194 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Port Austin's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Port Austin'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 Port Austin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Port Austin's water come from?
Port Austin's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,357 residents.
What health violations has Port Austin's water system had?
Port Austin has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Port Austin's water compare to other cities?
Port Austin ranks #194 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 63% of state cities) and #4220 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.