Grand Rapids, MI Water Safety: 75/100 (2026)
27 ZIP codes · 11 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current MI EPA data, Grand Rapids's tap water sits in the high-safety tier.
How Grand Rapids Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Grand Rapids, MI
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
How ZIP codes in Grand Rapids score across all safety grades.
What You Should Know About Grand Rapids Water
- Average lead level: 0.007 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,081 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.11 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Grand Rapids
3 independent water providers serve Grand Rapids, MI — 11 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 27 ZIP codes in Grand Rapids, Michigan, covering 11 community water systems serving approximately 377,980 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Grand Rapids — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Grand Rapids: B (75/100)
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
Grand Rapids water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0070 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): 26 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 1 ZIP code
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49501 | B | Grand Rapids | 273,005 |
| 49502 | B | Grand Rapids | 273,005 |
| 49503 | B | Grand Rapids | 273,005 |
| 49504 | B | Grand Rapids | 273,005 |
| 49505 | B | Grand Rapids | 273,005 |
| 49506 | B | Grand Rapids | 273,005 |
| 49507 | B | Grand Rapids | 273,005 |
| 49508 | B | Grand Rapids | 273,005 |
| 49510 | B | Grand Rapids | 273,005 |
| 49512 | B | Grand Rapids | 273,005 |
All ZIP Codes in Grand Rapids
- 49501 [B]
- 49502 [B]
- 49503 [B]
- 49504 [B]
- 49505 [B]
- 49506 [B]
- 49507 [B]
- 49508 [B]
- 49510 [B]
- 49512 [B]
- 49514 [B]
- 49515 [B]
- 49516 [B]
- 49518 [B]
- 49523 [B]
- 49525 [C]
- 49528 [B]
- 49530 [B]
- 49534 [A]
- 49544 [B]
- 49546 [B]
- 49548 [C]
- 49550 [B]
- 49555 [B]
- 49560 [B]
- 49588 [B]
- 49599 [B]
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.
Health Outcomes in Grand Rapids
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Grand Rapids Homeowners
In Grand Rapids, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Grand Rapids are relatively low compared to home values. The $452–$1,804 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 26% above the Michigan average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Grand Rapids
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 Grand Rapids 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.
Flood & Climate Risk in Grand Rapids
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Grand Rapids falls in moderate-exposure territory — 344 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 48% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Grand Rapids has a moderate flood history with 344 FEMA claims averaging $9,643 per payout. 48% 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>$1,081</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 Grand Rapids, MI