Ruth, MI Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water compliance in Ruth falls below the MI baseline — elevated violation rates are on record.
How Ruth Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Ruth Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 84% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.75 — above typical levels.
Ruth's Water Providers
Structurally, Ruth, MI's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 2 water systems in the area, with 2 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ruth, Michigan (population ~535), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,801 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ruth — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ruth: D (53/100)
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
Ruth water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Ruth
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48470 | D | City of Harbor Beach, | 1,604 |
All ZIP Codes in Ruth
- 48470 [D]
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.
Ruth 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
Ruth Infrastructure Age
With 84% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Ruth's housing stock carries a median build year of 1952. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Ruth 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 Ruth
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Ruth is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Ruth are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 13% below the Michigan average.
Ruth: 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.
Even where utility-side monitoring meets Lead and Copper Rule requirements, the 84% pre-rule share in Ruth keeps interior-plumbing variation as a household-level question that aggregate data cannot resolve.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Ruth
- 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 84% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ruth, MI