Water Quality in Black River, MI: No Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 63/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Black River's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
No EPA violations have been identified for Black River, MI — 1 system, all within federal limits.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Black River
Water quality varies across Black River's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48721 | C | 63 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Black River, Michigan receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 63 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Black River. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Black River's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Black River is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 63% of homes built before 1986, Black River has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Black River is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Black River
Black River is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 39 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
How to Check Your Water in Black River
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Black River vs. Nearby Michigan Cities
How Black River's water quality compares to similar cities in Michigan:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black River | C | 0 | 1 | 39 |
| Barton City | D | 0 | 1 | 39 |
| Davisburg | B | 0 | 1 | 39 |
| Dewitt | B | 3 | 1 | 39 |
Common Questions About Black River Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Black River, Michigan:
Is Black River water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Black River's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Black River tap water? Black River's water receives a grade of C (63/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Black River? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Black River vs. Michigan Average
Understanding how Black River compares to the broader Michigan average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Black River.
ZIP Codes in Black River
Black River spans 1 ZIP code. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.