TapSafetyReport
B70/100

Ithaca Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 3,098 residents · Michigan

What's In Ithaca's Tap Water?

1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.002 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

13

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 11, 2025 – July 16, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2025 – September 15, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: October 18, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: August 22, 2024 – July 17, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – June 29, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: December 3, 2023 – January 16, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2023 – June 29, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – June 29, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2022 – October 19, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2021 – June 29, 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

ITHACA, CITY OF
Population Served

3,098

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

MI0003460

Frequently Asked Questions About Ithaca Water

Is Ithaca tap water safe to drink?

Ithaca, Michigan tap water receives a grade of B (70/100), which is considered good. Out of 1 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 Ithaca's water?

Of the 1 contaminants tested in Ithaca'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 Ithaca have any water quality violations?

Yes, Ithaca has 19 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include RPT, Other, MR. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Ithaca?

Ithaca 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 Ithaca's tap water come from?

Ithaca's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by ITHACA, CITY OF. The system serves approximately 3,098 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Ithaca'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. Ithaca'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 Ithaca's water compare to other cities in Michigan?

Ithaca's water quality score of 70/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Michigan state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Ithaca's water quality?

If you have concerns about Ithaca'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 (ITHACA, 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.

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