Marlette, MI Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water tracked for Marlette by MI authorities posts above-average scores — the majority of systems are free from health-based exceedances and the city's grade sits above the state median.
How Marlette Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Marlette Residents
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 80% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.65 — above typical levels.
Marlette's Water Providers
Federal drinking water records identify 2 systems in Marlette, MI. The leading 2 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Marlette, Michigan, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 4,797 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Marlette — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Marlette: B (83/100)
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
Marlette water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48453 | B | City of Marlette, | 1,875 |
All ZIP Codes in Marlette
- 48453 [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.
Marlette 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
Marlette Infrastructure Age
With 80% 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, Marlette is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1962 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Marlette 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 Marlette
In Marlette, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in Marlette are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 23% below the Michigan average.
Marlette: 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 Marlette — 80% 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Marlette, MI