Is South Range, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.6/100
waterverge.com South Range, MI — Water Quality Report
South Range's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 745 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about South Range's water
South Range ranks #264 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
South Range 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, South Range may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Range, MI water safe to drink?
South Range's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 745 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for South Range
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Range's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 South Range's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
South Range's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Houghton 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 Pilgrim River.
Where does South Range's water come from?
South Range's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 745 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pilgrim River (river).
What South Range residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in South Range'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.
South Range'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 South Range
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near South Range, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WARM RAIN CORP CALUMET, MI49913 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Houghton 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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how South Range compares by contaminant
Explore where South Range ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Range's water comes from
South Range 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 South Range'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 745 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near South Range
South Range is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving South Range
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH RANGE | MI0006120 | 745 | GWP |
How South Range compares
Full Michigan rankings →South Range's score of 84.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About South Range, MI
Wikipedia →South Range is a village in Adams Township, Houghton County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is bordered on the east by the unincorporated community of Baltic. It is about five miles southwest of Houghton on M-26. As of the 2020 census, South Range had a population of 750. The ZIP code for South Range is 49963.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Range's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Houghton
Frequently asked questions
Is South Range, MI tap water safe to drink?
South Range's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #264 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in South Range's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is South Range'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 South Range?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does South Range's water come from?
South Range's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 745 residents.
Is South Range's groundwater at risk of contamination?
South Range 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 South Range's water compare to other cities?
South Range ranks #264 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 49% of state cities) and #5799 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does South Range's small water system affect quality?
South Range's system serves approximately 745 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.