Water Quality in Ann Arbor, MI: 12 Violations - Grade N/A
8 water systems · 5 directly mapped ZIP records
Available EPA records report 12 violations across 5 directly mapped ZIP records with known counts for Ann Arbor. This is compliance evidence, not a property-level tap-water verdict.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ann Arbor
This table shows typed EPA water evidence only. Missing violation counts are displayed as N/A, not zero.
| ZIP Code | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48103 | 11 | 0 | View report → |
| 48105 | 11 | 1 | View report → |
| 48108 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 48104 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 48109 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Ann Arbor, Michigan has directly mapped EPA water-system data for 5 ZIP codes. This page reports typed compliance facts and does not relabel the multi-source Home Safety Score as a drinking-water grade.
The available EPA records report 12 violations, including 1 health-based violation across 5 directly mapped ZIP records with reported counts.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Ann Arbor water systems is 0.0046 mg/L - within EPA limits. No exceedances appear among the 5 ZIP records with known lead status.
With 62% of homes built before 1986, Ann Arbor has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is served by 8 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 168,550 people across 8 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 30 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ann Arbor. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Ann Arbor
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels and violation history
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Ann Arbor Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Ann Arbor's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 6 | 3 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 2 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 3 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 3 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 3 | 3 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 17 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ann Arbor. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2026-01-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2026-01-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-12-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-12-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-12-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-11-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-05 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2026-01-22.
Ann Arbor vs. Nearby Michigan Cities
How Ann Arbor's water quality compares to similar cities in Michigan:
| City | Direct EPA ZIPs | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | 5 | 12 | 8 | 168,550 |
| Kalamazoo | 7 | 5 | 5 | 162,837 |
| Lansing | 7 | 6 | 5 | 161,259 |
| Flint | 7 | 10 | 7 | 139,114 |
Recommended Water Filters for Ann Arbor
Based on contaminants detected in Ann Arbor's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Copper
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ann Arbor
EPA coverage and recorded violations can differ across Ann Arbor's ZIP codes. Missing counts are shown as unavailable, not zero:
Common Questions About Ann Arbor Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Ann Arbor, Michigan:
Is Ann Arbor water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Ann Arbor's 8 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Ann Arbor tap water? City-level EPA records cannot determine safety at a specific tap. The measured subset contains 1 health-based violation; check the affected utility record and consider certified testing.
What is the best water filter for Ann Arbor? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Ann Arbor vs. Michigan Average
Understanding how Ann Arbor compares to the broader Michigan average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Ann Arbor.
ZIP Codes in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor spans 8 ZIP codes. EPA water-system coverage is available for 5 directly mapped ZIP codes. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.