Crystal, MI Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Crystal's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within MI — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Crystal Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Crystal Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 62% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.89 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Crystal
For most households in Crystal, MI, tap water comes from one provider — the utility that controls the local distribution system out of 1 tracked in federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Crystal, Michigan, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,541 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Crystal — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Crystal: D (53/100)
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
Crystal water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Crystal
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48818 | D | CARSON CITY | 3,322 |
All ZIP Codes in Crystal
- 48818 [D]
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.
CDC Health Data for Crystal
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
How Old Is Crystal's Housing Stock?
With 62% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Crystal is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1974 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Crystal were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Crystal: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Low proportionality — that's the Crystal picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Crystal are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 9% below the Michigan average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Crystal
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 62% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Crystal.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Crystal
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 62% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Crystal, MI