Is Ramsay, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89/100
waterverge.com Ramsay, MI — Water Quality Report
Ramsay's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 551 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.9 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 10 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ramsay's water
Ramsay ranks #143 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Ramsay purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Ramsay may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ramsay, MI water safe to drink?
Ramsay's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 551 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ramsay
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ramsay's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4381). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4121). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ramsay's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ramsay's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gogebic County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2002. 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 Black River.
Where does Ramsay's water come from?
Ramsay's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 551 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black River (river).
What Ramsay residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ramsay'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.
Ramsay'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Ramsay
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ramsay, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BURTON INDUSTRIES INC IRONWOOD, MI49938 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
WAUPACA FOUNDRY INC. PLANT 1 (IRONWOOD) IRONWOOD, MI49938 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Gogebic County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2002. 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. | 2.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ramsay compares by contaminant
Explore where Ramsay ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ramsay's water comes from
Ramsay purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Ramsay's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 551 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ramsay
Ramsay is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ramsay
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BESSEMER TOWNSHIP | MI0005600 | 551 | GWP |
How Ramsay compares
Full Michigan rankings →Ramsay's score of 89/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Ramsay, MI
Wikipedia →Bessemer Township is a civil township of Gogebic County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of 2020, its population was 1,135.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ramsay's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gogebic
Frequently asked questions
Is Ramsay, MI tap water safe to drink?
Ramsay's water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #143 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Ramsay's water?
Lead was measured at 2.9 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Ramsay'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 Ramsay?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ramsay's water come from?
Ramsay's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 551 residents.
What health violations has Ramsay's water system had?
Ramsay has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ramsay's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ramsay 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 10 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 Ramsay's water compare to other cities?
Ramsay ranks #143 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 73% of state cities) and #3143 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ramsay's small water system affect quality?
Ramsay's system serves approximately 551 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 10 violations on record.