Black River, MI Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems across Black River produce average compliance results for MI overall — pockets with documented violations exist, and the variation between areas makes checking the specific system serving a given address the most useful step for residents here.
How Black River Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Black River Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 63% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.86 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Black River
Federal records list 1 water system serving Black River, MI. One provider accounts for the large majority of residential water connections in the area, concentrating infrastructure and compliance accountability.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Black River, Michigan, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 398 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Black River — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Black River: C (63/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Black River water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Black River
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48721 | C | LINCOLN HAVEN NURSING & REHABILITATION | 39 |
All ZIP Codes in Black River
- 48721 [C]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Black River
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Black River's Housing Stock?
With 63% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Plumbing risk in older housing is defined by two eras: the pre-1970 period when lead pipes were commonly used for service lines, and the 1970-to-1986 period when lead solder remained standard in copper plumbing until the federal ban. Black River's median build year of 1973 lands in a range where both eras are heavily represented in the housing stock. That creates an elevated aggregate environment for plumbing-related lead exposure — one that city-level water quality averages don't capture, because the risk sits inside individual properties rather than in the distribution system.
Over half of homes in Black River were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Black River: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The equity impact of remediation in Black River sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Black River. The estimated $1,200–$3,300 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 9% below the Michigan average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Black River
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 63% of Black River stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Black River
How does Black River's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 2 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Black River has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Black River
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 63% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Black River, MI