Water Quality in Detroit, MI: 276 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 75/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Detroit'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
Water systems in Detroit, MI have accumulated 276 EPA violations across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality Map: Detroit, MI
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Detroit
Water quality varies across Detroit's 46 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48215 | C | 62 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48205 | B | 72 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48209 | B | 72 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48219 | B | 72 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48221 | B | 72 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48223 | B | 72 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48224 | B | 72 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48227 | B | 72 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48228 | B | 72 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48234 | B | 72 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48235 | B | 72 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48208 | B | 76 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48216 | B | 76 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48222 | B | 76 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
| 48226 | B | 76 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Detroit.
Water Quality Overview
Detroit, Michigan receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 75 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Detroit have accumulated 276 EPA violations, including 138 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 46 ZIP codes serving approximately 633,218 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Detroit'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
The average 90th percentile lead level across Detroit water systems is 0.0075 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 90% of homes built before 1986, Detroit 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 Detroit
Detroit is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 633,218 people across 46 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 460 enforcement actions against water systems serving Detroit. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Detroit
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 Detroit Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Detroit's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 138 | 46 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 46 | 46 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 46 | 46 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Detroit:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 92 | 92 |
| 2024 | 46 | 46 |
Violations have decreased from 92 in 2023 to 46 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Detroit. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-03-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-09-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-09-20 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-09-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-06-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-06-07 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-04-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-03-15 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-03-26.
Detroit vs. Nearby Michigan Cities
How Detroit's water quality compares to similar cities in Michigan:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | B | 276 | 2 | 633,218 |
| Grand Rapids | B | 0 | 5 | 315,695 |
| Ann Arbor | C | 56 | 5 | 277,712 |
| Lansing | B | 72 | 5 | 194,168 |
Recommended Water Filters for Detroit
Based on contaminants detected in Detroit's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, under-sink or whole-house)
- Removes: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
- Effectiveness: 60-80%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Lead
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Detroit
Water quality varies across Detroit's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48215 | 62 | C | 6 | 3 |
| 48205 | 72 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48209 | 72 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48219 | 72 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48221 | 72 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48223 | 72 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48224 | 72 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48227 | 72 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48228 | 72 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48234 | 72 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48238 | 77 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48217 | 77 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48214 | 77 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48213 | 77 | B | 6 | 3 |
| 48211 | 77 | B | 6 | 3 |
Common Questions About Detroit Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Detroit, Michigan:
Is Detroit water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Detroit's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Detroit tap water? Detroit's water receives a grade of B (75/100). There are 138 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Detroit? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house poe) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Detroit vs. Michigan Average
Understanding how Detroit 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 Detroit.
ZIP Codes in Detroit
Detroit spans 46 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 48201. 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.