B77/100
Sault Ste. Marie Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 14,689 residents · Michigan
What's In Sault Ste. Marie's Tap Water?
70
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 130.00 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2020.
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
SAULT STE MARIE
Population Served
14,689
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MI0005950
Frequently Asked Questions About Sault Ste. Marie Water
Is Sault Ste. Marie tap water safe to drink?
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan tap water receives a grade of B (77/100), which is considered good. Out of 70 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 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 Sault Ste. Marie's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Sault Ste. Marie's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Sault Ste. Marie have any water quality violations?
Yes, Sault Ste. Marie has 8 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MR, TT, RPT. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Sault Ste. Marie?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Sault Ste. Marie is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Sault Ste. Marie's tap water come from?
Sault Ste. Marie's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by SAULT STE MARIE. The system serves approximately 14,689 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Sault Ste. Marie'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. Sault Ste. Marie'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 Sault Ste. Marie's water compare to other cities in Michigan?
Sault Ste. Marie's water quality score of 77/100 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 Sault Ste. Marie's water quality?
If you have concerns about Sault Ste. Marie'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 (SAULT STE MARIE) 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.