Niles, MI: 2 Health Violations — 94/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current MI EPA data, Niles's tap water sits in the high-safety tier.
How Niles Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Niles Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 14 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.71 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Niles
3 independent water providers serve Niles, MI — 4 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Niles, Michigan, covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 36,652 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Niles: A (94/100)
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
Niles 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 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 2 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 3 | 2 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
All ZIP Codes in Niles
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.
CDC Health Data for Niles
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Niles
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Niles: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, Niles sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Niles are relatively low compared to home values. The $550–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 18% below the Michigan average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Niles
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 Niles 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Niles
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Niles has accumulated 28 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 50% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
Niles has a moderate flood history with 28 FEMA claims averaging $12,111 per payout. 50% 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>$900</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 Niles, MI