Water Quality in Paw Paw, MI: 7 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 92/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Paw Paw's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Federal EPA data for Paw Paw, MI shows 7 water compliance events in the record — the table below identifies system names and violation types.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Paw Paw
Water quality varies across Paw Paw's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49079 | A | 92 | 7 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Paw Paw, Michigan receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 92 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Paw Paw have accumulated 7 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 3,402 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Paw Paw's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Paw Paw water systems is 0.0012 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 58% of homes built before 1986, Paw Paw has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Paw Paw
Paw Paw is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 3,402 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Paw Paw. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Paw Paw
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Paw Paw Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Paw Paw's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Paw Paw. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-06-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-06-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-07-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-07-25 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-06-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-03-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-02-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-01-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-01-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-01-13 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-06-26.
Paw Paw vs. Nearby Michigan Cities
How Paw Paw's water quality compares to similar cities in Michigan:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paw Paw | A | 7 | 2 | 3,402 |
| Vernon | D | 0 | 1 | 3,446 |
| Jamestown | A | 1 | 1 | 3,330 |
| Essexville | C | 1 | 1 | 3,478 |
Common Questions About Paw Paw Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Paw Paw, Michigan:
Is Paw Paw water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Paw Paw's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Paw Paw tap water? Paw Paw's water receives a grade of A (92/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Paw Paw? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Paw Paw vs. Michigan Average
Understanding how Paw Paw compares to the broader Michigan average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Paw Paw.
ZIP Codes in Paw Paw
Paw Paw spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 49079. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.