Is West Branch, 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 ↓
85/100
waterverge.com West Branch, MI — Water Quality Report
West Branch's drinking water received a grade of A- (85 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,325 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 13 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about West Branch's water
West Branch ranks #246 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
West Branch 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, West Branch may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Branch, MI water safe to drink?
West Branch's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,325 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Branch
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Branch's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85/100).
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Branch's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West Branch's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ogemaw 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.
Where does West Branch's water come from?
West Branch's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,325 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What West Branch residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in West Branch'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.
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 West Branch
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near West Branch, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HYPERION MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGIES WEST BRANCH, MI48661 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
TAYLOR ENTRANCE SYSTEMS WEST BRANCH, MI48661 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Ogemaw 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Branch compares by contaminant
Explore where West Branch ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Branch's water comes from
West Branch'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 2,325 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving West Branch
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST BRANCH, CITY OF | MI0007010 | 2,139 | GW |
| OGEMAW TOWNSHIP | MI0004935 | 125 | GW |
| WEST BRANCH TOWNSHIP | MI0007012 | 61 | GW |
How West Branch compares
Full Michigan rankings →West Branch's score of 85/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About West Branch, MI
Wikipedia →West Branch is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the county seat of and the largest incorporated settlement in Ogemaw County. The city had a population of 2,351 at the 2020 census, an increase from 2,139 at the 2010 census. West Branch is mostly surrounded by West Branch Township, but the two are administered autonomously.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Branch's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ogemaw
Frequently asked questions
Is West Branch, MI tap water safe to drink?
West Branch's water quality earned a grade of A- (85/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #246 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in West Branch's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is West Branch'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 West Branch?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Branch's water come from?
West Branch's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,325 residents.
What health violations has West Branch's water system had?
West Branch has 2 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is West Branch's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Branch 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 13 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 West Branch's water compare to other cities?
West Branch ranks #246 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 53% of state cities) and #5568 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.