WaterVerge

Is Scottville, 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 ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: MI0005980
Overall Score
86.6 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#207 of 520 in Michigan Top 29% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86.6/100
waterverge.com
A- 86.6/100

Scottville, MI — Water Quality Report

Scottville's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,721 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 12 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Scottville's water

Scottville ranks #207 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, Scottville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86.6 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
40.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Scottville, MI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Scottville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,721 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

4
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Scottville

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Scottville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

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 Scottville's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Scottville's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Feb 2020 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2012 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Mason County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 Pere Marquette River.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3225
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-774
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-744

Where does Scottville's water come from?

Scottville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,721 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pere Marquette River (river).

What Scottville residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Scottville's water.

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

Scottville'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
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

12
Total violations
1
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

12 Total
4 Active
1 Health-based
8 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
4
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Arsenic Rule
1
Nitrate Rule
1
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Feb 2020 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2020
Nov 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2010
Mar 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2010
Sep 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2006
Jan 2005 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2005
Oct 2000 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2000
Jan 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2000
Oct 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Scottville

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 24,296 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORP
Chemicals · OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM CORP
LUDINGTON, MI49431
Ammonia24,2967.8 mi
GREAT LAKES CASTINGS LLC
Primary Metals · RESERVE GROUP MANAGEMENT CO
LUDINGTON, MI49431
8.0 mi
HOUSE OF FLAVORS
Food · NA
LUDINGTON, MI49431
8.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Mason County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3225
Sep 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #774
Sep 1985
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #744

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 14.0 ppb from 2017 (16.0 ppb) to 2024 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,721
Water Systems
2
Source breakdown
Purchased Surface Water
1
Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Scottville's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Scottville'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 1,721 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Scottville

Scottville is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Pere Marquette River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Scottville

System Name PWSID Population Source
SCOTTVILLE, CITY OF MI0005980 1,536 SWP
HOLIDAY VILLAGE MOBILE HOME PARK MI0040335 185 GW
Regional Comparison

How Scottville compares

Full Michigan rankings →

Scottville's score of 86.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Scottville (this city)
86.6
Detroit
84.1
Ann Arbor
51.5
Lansing
57.3
Michigan avg
70
City Profile

About Scottville, MI

Wikipedia →

Scottville is a city in Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,356 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$47,643
Median Income
$113,043
Median Home Value
$725/mo
Median Rent
3.6%
Unemployment
Community
33.9
Median Age
392
People / sq mi
15%
College Educated
56.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Scottville, MI tap water safe to drink?

Scottville's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #207 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.

What contaminants are in Scottville's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.

How is Scottville'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 Scottville?

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

Where does Scottville's water come from?

Scottville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,721 residents.

What health violations has Scottville's water system had?

Scottville has 1 health-based violation 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.

How does Scottville's water compare to other cities?

Scottville ranks #207 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 60% of state cities) and #4609 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.