Is Standish, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
58.2/100
waterverge.com Standish, MI — Water Quality Report
Standish's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,082 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 60 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Standish's water
Standish ranks #479 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Standish may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Standish, MI water safe to drink?
Standish's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,082 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Standish
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Standish's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Standish's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Standish's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Arenac County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Rifle River, Pine River.
Where does Standish's water come from?
Standish's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,082 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rifle River (river), Pine River (river).
What Standish residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Standish'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.
Standish'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
Flood & disaster history
Arenac County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Standish's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Standish compares by contaminant
Explore where Standish ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Standish's water comes from
Standish'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 2,082 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Standish
Standish is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Standish
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STANDISH, CITY OF | MI0006350 | 1,509 | SWP |
| PINE TREE MOBILE ESTATES | ME0003240 | 560 | GW |
| NORTHERN PINES | MI0040212 | 13 | GW |
How Standish compares
Full Michigan rankings →Standish's score of 58.2/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Standish, MI
Wikipedia →Standish is a city in and the county seat of Arenac County, Michigan. The population was 1,458 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Standish's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Arenac
Frequently asked questions
Is Standish, MI tap water safe to drink?
Standish's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #479 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Standish's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Standish'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 Standish?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Standish's water come from?
Standish's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,082 residents.
What health violations has Standish's water system had?
Standish has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 32 violations remain unresolved.
How does Standish's water compare to other cities?
Standish ranks #479 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 8% of state cities) and #12301 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.