Northville, MI Water Safety: 89/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Northville tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for MI — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Northville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Northville Water
- Average lead level: 0.0009 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 47% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.19 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Northville
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Northville, MI's residential water connections out of 6 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Northville, Michigan (population ~48,320), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 115,486 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Northville — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Northville: A (89/100)
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
Northville water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0009 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): 1 ZIP code
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48167 | B | Northville Township | 32,103 |
| 48168 | A | Northville Township | 32,103 |
All ZIP Codes in Northville
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 Northville
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Northville
With 47% 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
Plumbing risk in residential housing tracks directly to construction era: pre-1986 homes may have lead-soldered copper joints; pre-1970 homes may have lead pipes outright. Northville's median build year of 1982 places the city in a moderate risk zone where neither era dominates the housing inventory. Understanding which side of the 1986 threshold a specific property falls on — and whether it predates 1970 — is the most actionable starting point for a homeowner trying to assess their own tap water exposure.
Most homes in Northville were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Northville Homeowners
At current valuations, Northville sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Northville are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 168% above the Michigan average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Northville
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.
When older housing represents 47% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Northville address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Northville
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Northville falls in moderate-exposure territory — 13 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Northville has a moderate flood history with 13 FEMA claims averaging $7,782 per payout. 100% 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>$1,200</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 Northville, MI