Is Saranac, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.2/100
waterverge.com Saranac, MI — Water Quality Report
Saranac's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,343 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Saranac's water
Saranac ranks #165 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Saranac 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, Saranac may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Saranac, MI water safe to drink?
Saranac's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,343 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Saranac
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Saranac's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.2/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Fluoride, Nitrite.
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 Saranac's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Saranac's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ionia 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 Grand River, Flat River.
Where does Saranac's water come from?
Saranac's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,343 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Grand River (river), Flat River (river).
What Saranac residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Saranac'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.
Saranac'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 Saranac
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Saranac, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VENTRA IONIA MAIN LLC IONIA, MI48846 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
VENTRA IONIA PAINT LLC IONIA, MI48846 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
PURFORMS INC LOWELL LOWELL, MI49331 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Saranac
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.
- IONIA CITY LANDFILL8.9 mi
- AMERICAN ANODCO INC10.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Ionia 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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Saranac compares by contaminant
Explore where Saranac ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Saranac's water comes from
Saranac'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 1,343 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Saranac
Saranac is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Saranac
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SARANAC | MI0005930 | 1,343 | GW |
How Saranac compares
Full Michigan rankings →Saranac's score of 88.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Saranac, MI
Wikipedia →Saranac is a village in Boston Township, Ionia County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, Saranac had a population of 1,376. Today, Saranac serves as a retail and services hub for agricultural areas surrounding the village.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Saranac's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ionia
Frequently asked questions
Is Saranac, MI tap water safe to drink?
Saranac's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #165 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Saranac's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Saranac'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 Saranac?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Saranac's water come from?
Saranac's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,343 residents.
What health violations has Saranac's water system had?
Saranac has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Saranac's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Saranac 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 Saranac's water compare to other cities?
Saranac ranks #165 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 68% of state cities) and #3596 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Saranac's small water system affect quality?
Saranac's system serves approximately 1,343 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.