Michigan City, IN: 2 Health Violations — 82/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Compared to statewide averages in IN, Michigan City scores well — health violations are below the norm and systems generally operate within federal standards.
How Michigan City Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Key Facts for Michigan City Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 26 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0019 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.9 — above typical levels.
Michigan City's Water Providers
Federal drinking water records identify 5 systems in Michigan City, IN. The leading 3 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Michigan City, Indiana, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 43,997 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Michigan City: B (82/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Michigan City water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0019 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 15 | 2 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 6 | 2 |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46360 | B | 13 | 1 | Michigan City Department of Water Works |
| 46361 | A | 13 | 1 | Michigan City Department of Water Works |
All ZIP Codes in Michigan City
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Michigan City Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Michigan City's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Michigan City
In Michigan City, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in Michigan City are relatively low compared to home values. The $550–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 13% below the Indiana average.
Michigan City: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Michigan City appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Michigan City: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
FEMA data shows 50% of Michigan City's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 72 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Michigan City has a moderate flood history with 72 FEMA claims averaging $3,134 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$900</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Michigan City, IN