Is White Cloud, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.6/100
waterverge.com White Cloud, MI — Water Quality Report
White Cloud's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,408 residents using groundwater.
Lead data is not currently available for this system. 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. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about White Cloud's water
White Cloud ranks #347 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
White Cloud 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, White Cloud may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is White Cloud, MI water safe to drink?
White Cloud's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,408 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for White Cloud
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into White Cloud's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4121). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Violation history
White Cloud's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Newaygo County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Muskegon River.
Where does White Cloud's water come from?
White Cloud's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,408 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Muskegon River (river).
What White Cloud residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in White Cloud'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.
White Cloud'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.
Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of White Cloud
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near White Cloud, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HARBISONWALKER INTERNATIONAL INC WHITE CLOUD, MI49349 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Newaygo County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
No contaminant data available for this city.
See how White Cloud compares by contaminant
Explore where White Cloud ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where White Cloud's water comes from
White Cloud'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 1,408 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near White Cloud
White Cloud is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving White Cloud
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITE CLOUD | MI0007060 | 1,408 | GW |
How White Cloud compares
Full Michigan rankings →White Cloud's score of 80.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About White Cloud, MI
Wikipedia →White Cloud is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan, a small town on the bank of the White River. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 1,479. It is the county seat of Newaygo County. Being designated a trail town, the outdoors are a big part of life in White Cloud, with the 4,600 mile North Country Trail stretching nearby, the Mill Pond Park with a beach and playground, and the White Cloud County Park and Campground, being major draws to the area. White Cloud was recognized by the North Country Trail Association as a "Trail Town".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to White Cloud's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Newaygo
Frequently asked questions
Is White Cloud, MI tap water safe to drink?
White Cloud's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #347 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in White Cloud's water?
10 violations are on record.
How is White Cloud'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 White Cloud?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does White Cloud's water come from?
White Cloud's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,408 residents.
Is White Cloud's groundwater at risk of contamination?
White Cloud 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 White Cloud's water compare to other cities?
White Cloud ranks #347 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 33% of state cities) and #7789 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does White Cloud's small water system affect quality?
White Cloud's system serves approximately 1,408 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.