Is Union City, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Union City, MI — Water Quality Report
Union City's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,630 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 4 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Union City's water
Union City ranks #151 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Union City 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, Union City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Union City, MI water safe to drink?
Union City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,630 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Union City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Union City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Union City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Union City's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Branch 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 St. Joseph River, Hog Creek.
Where does Union City's water come from?
Union City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,630 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include St. Joseph River (river), Hog Creek (river).
What Union City residents can do
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 Union City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Union City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ARCOSA SHORING PRODUCTS 1596 UNION CITY, MI49094 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
ARCOSA SHORING PRODUCTS INC UNION CITY, MI49094 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Branch 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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Union City compares by contaminant
Explore where Union City ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Union City's water comes from
Union City'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 1,630 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Union City
Union City is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Union City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNION CITY | MI0006720 | 1,630 | GW |
How Union City compares
Full Michigan rankings →Union City's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Union City, MI
Wikipedia →Union City is a village in the U.S. state of Michigan. Most of the village is within Union Township in Branch County with only a very small portion extending north into Burlington Township in Calhoun County. The population was 1,714 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Union City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Branch
Frequently asked questions
Is Union City, MI tap water safe to drink?
Union City's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #151 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Union City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Union City'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 Union City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Union City's water come from?
Union City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,630 residents.
What health violations has Union City's water system had?
Union City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Union City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Union City 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 4 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 Union City's water compare to other cities?
Union City ranks #151 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 71% of state cities) and #3309 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Union City's small water system affect quality?
Union City's system serves approximately 1,630 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 4 violations on record.