East Lansing, MI: 8 Health Violations — 77/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Residents of East Lansing generally live with tap water that beats the MI safety average on key EPA compliance metrics.
How East Lansing Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for East Lansing Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 44 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0008 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.03 — above typical levels.
East Lansing's Water Providers
Federal records list 7 water systems tied to East Lansing, MI. Of those, 3 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in East Lansing, Michigan (population ~62,567), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 238,047 people region-wide.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 8 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for East Lansing: B (77/100)
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
East Lansing water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0008 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 10 | 4 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 4 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 4 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 10 | 4 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 10 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48823 | B | 11 | 2 | City of East Lansing, |
| 48824 | B | 11 | 2 | City of East Lansing, |
| 48825 | B | 11 | 2 | City of East Lansing, |
| 48826 | B | 11 | 2 | City of East Lansing, |
All ZIP Codes in East Lansing
- 48823 [B] — 11 violations ⚠
- 48824 [B] — 11 violations ⚠
- 48825 [B] — 11 violations ⚠
- 48826 [B] — 11 violations ⚠
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.
East Lansing 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 East Lansing's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in East Lansing
Across East Lansing, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in East Lansing are relatively low compared to home values. The $950–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 28% above the Michigan average.
East Lansing: 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 East Lansing 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.
East Lansing: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
How does East Lansing's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 54 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 75% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
East Lansing has a moderate flood history with 54 FEMA claims averaging $5,426 per payout. 75% 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>$1,500</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 East Lansing, MI