A94/100
Bay City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 88,189 residents · Michigan
What's In Bay City's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.010 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Public notification violation
When: January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
BAY CITY, CITY OF
Population Served
32,255
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0000470
BAY CO. DEPT OF WATER & SEWER
Population Served
8,465
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0000485
BANGOR TOWNSHIP
Population Served
11,999
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0000390
BEAVER TOWNSHIP
Population Served
1,211
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0000518
BANGOR-MONITOR METRO DISTRICT
Population Served
2,971
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0000400
FRANKENLUST TOWNSHIP
Population Served
3,626
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0002410
FRASER TOWNSHIP
Population Served
1,226
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0002465
HAMPTON TOWNSHIP
Population Served
9,652
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0002960
KAWKAWLIN TOWNSHIP
Population Served
3,170
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0003565
MERRITT TOWNSHIP
Population Served
1,474
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0004280
MONITOR TOWNSHIP
Population Served
5,217
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0004440
PINCONNING TOWNSHIP
Population Served
1,479
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0005335
WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP
Population Served
5,444
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0007125
Frequently Asked Questions About Bay City Water
Is Bay City tap water safe to drink?
Bay City, Michigan tap water receives a grade of A (94/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 79 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Bay City's water?
Of the 79 contaminants tested in Bay City's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Bay City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Bay City has 24 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include RPT, TT, MR. 11 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Bay City?
Bay City water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Bay City's tap water come from?
Bay City's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by BAY CITY, CITY OF and 12 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 88,189 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Bay City's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Bay City's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Bay City's water compare to other cities in Michigan?
Bay City's water quality score of 94/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Bay City among the better-performing water systems in Michigan. Visit our Michigan state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Bay City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Bay City's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BAY CITY, CITY OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.