Water Quality in Chatham, MI: 4 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 71/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Chatham's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Chatham, MI surfaces 4 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Chatham
Water quality varies across Chatham's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49816 | B | 71 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Chatham, Michigan receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 71 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Chatham have accumulated 4 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 300 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Chatham's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Chatham is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 76% of homes built before 1986, Chatham 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.
Radon Risk
Chatham is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Chatham
Chatham is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 300 people across 1 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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Chatham. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Chatham
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
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 Chatham Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Chatham's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 1 | 1 | 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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Chatham. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-12-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-04 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-12-11.
Chatham vs. Nearby Michigan Cities
How Chatham's water quality compares to similar cities in Michigan:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chatham | B | 4 | 1 | 300 |
| Au Train | C | 0 | 1 | 300 |
| Big Bay | B | 4 | 1 | 300 |
| Deerton | D | 0 | 1 | 300 |
Common Questions About Chatham Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Chatham, Michigan:
Is Chatham water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Chatham's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Chatham tap water? Chatham's water receives a grade of B (71/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Chatham? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Chatham vs. Michigan Average
Understanding how Chatham 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 Chatham.
ZIP Codes in Chatham
Chatham spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 49816. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. 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
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.