Manchester, MI: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Manchester water quality is uneven — some service areas show clean compliance; others carry documented violations in MI EPA records.
How Manchester Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Manchester Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0049 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 56% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.41.
Manchester's Water Providers
Most residential addresses in Manchester, MI are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Manchester, Michigan, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 7,688 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Manchester — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Manchester: C (66/100)
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
Manchester water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0049 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48158 | C | Manchester | 2,150 |
All ZIP Codes in Manchester
- 48158 [C]
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.
Manchester 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
Manchester Infrastructure Age
With 56% 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, Manchester is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1970 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Manchester 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Manchester
Property equity in Manchester runs well ahead of estimated remediation costs — a cost-to-value ratio that sits in the low tier, meaning documented water and safety issues here are the kind homeowners can plan to address without treating the expense as a significant budget event relative to what their homes are worth.
Remediation costs in Manchester are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 46% above the Michigan average.
Manchester: 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.
Practically, the structural drivers in Manchester — 56% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Manchester
- 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 56% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Manchester, MI