Watersheds and Community Water Supply Wells

Watersheds and Wells in Houghton County, Michigan Viewable Map (GIF 147k) Printable Map (PDF, 402k)

Thirty-one watersheds that are named for rivers or creeks cross Houghton County. All drain to Lake Superior. Individual named watersheds range from 14.4 to 343.8 sq mi. In addition, some parts of the county have numerous small creeks or ravines that drain directly to Lake Superior; these areas are labeled "Lake Superior Drainage" on the map. Some Houghton County watersheds are shared with neighboring counties either upstream or downstream: six townships in Ontonagon County, three townships in Iron County, four townships in Baraga County, and parts of all five townships in Keweenaw County. Land-use practices and decisions in parts of one township or county can thus affect water quality in downstream jurisdictions. The total area of watersheds in Houghton County, including parts in adjacent counties, is 1,723 square miles. 

Twenty-seven community water-supply wells are located in Houghton County, serving 17 communities. A summary of the community water supply 1999 Consumer Confidence Reports is available in PDF format.  More information on drinking water quality and quantity in the area will be available soon. 

Watersheds and Wells in Keweenaw County, MichiganViewable Map (GIF 147k) Printable Map (PDF, 402k)

Seven watersheds that are named for rivers or creeks cross Keweenaw County. All drain to Lake Superior. Individual named watersheds range from 17.3 to 53.0 sq mi. In addition, large areas of the county have numerous small creeks or ravines that drain directly to Lake Superior; these areas are labeled "Lake Superior Drainage" on the map. Three Keweenaw County watersheds are shared with three Houghton County townships and four villages (Trap Rock, Traverse, and a small part of the Tobacco Rivers). The Trap Rock River drains to Torch Lake, which in turn drains to Portage Lake and the Keweenaw Waterway en route to Lake Superior. Land-use practices and decisions in parts of one township or county can thus affect water quality in downstream jurisdictions. The total area of watersheds in Keweenaw County, including parts in adjacent Houghton county, is 406 square miles. 

Ten community water-supply wells are located in Keweenaw County, serving the communities of Copper Harbor, Eagle Harbor, and Eagle River. The community of Gay in Sherman Township draws its water supply from Lake Superior through a tunnel. Michigan-American Water Company operates four wells in Houghton County's Calument Township that supply water to Ahmeek and other nearby communities. A summary of the community water supply 1999 Consumer Confidence Reports is available in PDF format. More information on drinking water quality and quantity in the area will be available soon.