Is Watersmeet, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.2/100
waterverge.com Watersmeet, MI — Water Quality Report
Watersmeet's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,315 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 65 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Watersmeet's water
Watersmeet ranks #301 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Watersmeet 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, Watersmeet may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Watersmeet, MI water safe to drink?
Watersmeet's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,315 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Watersmeet
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Watersmeet's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Watersmeet's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Watersmeet's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gogebic 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 Middle Branch Ontonagon River, Lac Vieux Desert.
Where does Watersmeet's water come from?
Watersmeet's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,315 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Middle Branch Ontonagon River (river), Lac Vieux Desert (lake).
What Watersmeet residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Watersmeet'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Watersmeet'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
Gogebic 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. | 4.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Watersmeet compares by contaminant
Explore where Watersmeet ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Watersmeet's water comes from
Watersmeet'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 2,315 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Watersmeet
Watersmeet is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Watersmeet
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAC VIEUX DESERT | 055293401 | 1,740 | GW |
| WATERSMEET TOWNSHIP | MI0006920 | 575 | GW |
How Watersmeet compares
Full Michigan rankings →Watersmeet's score of 83.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →ZIP codes served by Watersmeet
The water systems serving Watersmeet cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Watersmeet, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Watersmeet's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gogebic
Frequently asked questions
Is Watersmeet, MI tap water safe to drink?
Watersmeet's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #301 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Watersmeet's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Watersmeet'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 Watersmeet?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Watersmeet's water come from?
Watersmeet's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,315 residents.
What health violations has Watersmeet's water system had?
Watersmeet has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Watersmeet's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Watersmeet 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 65 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 Watersmeet's water compare to other cities?
Watersmeet ranks #301 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 42% of state cities) and #6549 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.