Is Whitehall, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.4/100
waterverge.com Whitehall, MI — Water Quality Report
Whitehall's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,967 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 14 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Whitehall's water
Whitehall ranks #350 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Whitehall 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, Whitehall may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Whitehall, MI water safe to drink?
Whitehall's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,967 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Whitehall
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Whitehall's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Whitehall's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Whitehall's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Muskegon 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 Bear Creek, White River, Flower.
Where does Whitehall's water come from?
Whitehall's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,967 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bear Creek (river), White River (river), Flower (river).
What Whitehall residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Whitehall'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.
Whitehall'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Whitehall
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Whitehall, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALUDYNE MONTAGUE LLC MONTAGUE, MI49437 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
HOWMET CORP - PLANT 5 WHITEHALL, MI49461 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
HOWMET CORP-PLANT 10 WHITEHALL, MI49461 | — | — | 1.0 mi |
HOWMET CORP - PLANT 4 WHITEHALL, MI49461 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
HOWMET CORP - PLANTS 1& 3 WHITEHALL, MI49461 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Whitehall
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- MUSKEGON CHEMICAL CO0.8 mi
- OTT STORY CORDOVA CHEMICAL CO7.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Muskegon 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
| 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Whitehall compares by contaminant
Explore where Whitehall ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Whitehall's water comes from
Whitehall'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 2,967 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Whitehall
Whitehall is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Whitehall
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITEHALL | MI0007100 | 2,902 | GW |
| BUTTERFIELD WOODS SUBDIVISION | MI0001018 | 65 | GW |
How Whitehall compares
Full Michigan rankings →Whitehall's score of 80.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Whitehall, MI
Wikipedia →Whitehall is a city in Muskegon County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,909 at the 2020 census. The city is located to the west of Whitehall Township. Montague is its neighbor.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Whitehall's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Muskegon
Frequently asked questions
Is Whitehall, MI tap water safe to drink?
Whitehall's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #350 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Whitehall's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Whitehall'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 Whitehall?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Whitehall's water come from?
Whitehall's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,967 residents.
What health violations has Whitehall's water system had?
Whitehall has 5 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Whitehall's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Whitehall 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 14 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 Whitehall's water compare to other cities?
Whitehall ranks #350 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 33% of state cities) and #7883 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.