North Star, MI Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
North Star's water quality grade in MI reflects a middle-ground assessment — service areas range from fully compliant to violation-flagged in current EPA records.
How North Star Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for North Star Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 100% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 13.84 — above typical levels.
North Star's Water Providers
Water service in North Star, MI is organized around a single utility — one of 1 tracked by regulator, and the one that manages the local distribution network while holding primary responsibility for EPA compliance reporting.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in North Star, Michigan (population ~39), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,098 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in North Star — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for North Star: C (66/100)
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
North Star water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for North Star
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48862 | C | ITHACA, CITY OF | 3,098 |
All ZIP Codes in North Star
- 48862 [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.
North Star Community Health Snapshot
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
North Star Infrastructure Age
With 100% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in North Star — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1903 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in North Star 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.
North Star: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 100% of North Star homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in North Star
- 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 100% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for North Star, MI