Is Roscommon, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.1/100
waterverge.com Roscommon, MI — Water Quality Report
Roscommon's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,180 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 21 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Roscommon's water
Roscommon ranks #243 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Roscommon 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, Roscommon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Roscommon, MI water safe to drink?
Roscommon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,180 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Roscommon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roscommon's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Roscommon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Roscommon's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Roscommon 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. Local water sources include South Branch Au Sable River, Lake St Helen, Higgins Lake.
Where does Roscommon's water come from?
Roscommon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,180 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Branch Au Sable River (river), Lake St Helen (lake), Higgins Lake (lake).
What Roscommon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Roscommon'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 Roscommon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Roscommon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BAKELITE CHEMICALS LLC GRAYLING, MI49738 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
WEYERHAEUSER NR CO GRAYLING, MI49738 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
ARAUCO NA GRAYLING PARTICLEBOARD GRAYLING, MI49738 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Roscommon 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 Roscommon compares by contaminant
Explore where Roscommon ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Roscommon's water comes from
Roscommon'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 1,180 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Roscommon
Roscommon is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Roscommon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROSCOMMON, VILLAGE OF | MI0005810 | 1,075 | GW |
| BROOK OF HOUGHTON LAKE | MI0000894 | 105 | GW |
How Roscommon compares
Full Michigan rankings →Roscommon's score of 85.1/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Roscommon, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Roscommon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Roscommon
Frequently asked questions
Is Roscommon, MI tap water safe to drink?
Roscommon's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #243 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Roscommon's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Roscommon'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 Roscommon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Roscommon's water come from?
Roscommon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,180 residents.
What health violations has Roscommon's water system had?
Roscommon has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Roscommon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Roscommon 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 21 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 Roscommon's water compare to other cities?
Roscommon ranks #243 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 53% of state cities) and #5518 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.