US Water Score: A
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Bark River, Michigan (49807) receives an overall grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 86 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the Michigan state average of 88. Compared to the national average (75), this area performs significantly better. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 385 people, using groundwater sources.
A score of 86/100 means public water-system records for Bark River, MI show relatively few concerns in the US Water Score model. This is an internal score, not an EPA safety rating, and it does not guarantee conditions at any specific tap.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Common Questions
Based on public water-system records, Bark River, Michigan receives an internal US Water Score grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 86/100. This indicates relatively few system-level concerns in our model, but it is not an EPA safety rating and does not guarantee tap conditions inside individual homes.
ZIP code 49807 is served by 2 water systems using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 385 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.
Lead levels in Bark River, Michigan are 0.0 ppb, which is at or below the health guideline of 1 ppb. This is a positive result, though periodic testing is still recommended.
Water systems serving Bark River, Michigan were not tested for PFAS under the EPA's UCMR5 monitoring program. This does not mean PFAS are absent — it means no data is currently available. UCMR5 testing covered approximately 10,000 of the largest water systems nationwide. You can request PFAS testing from your water utility or use a certified home test kit.
Water systems serving Bark River, Michigan have received 7 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Water in Bark River, Michigan shows no major contaminant concerns based on available data. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce chlorine. For extra peace of mind, an NSF-certified pitcher filter or faucet-mount filter provides an affordable layer of protection.
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