Saint Clair Shores, MI Water Safety: 58/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The systems supplying Saint Clair Shores vary in performance across MI benchmarks — most meet minimum federal standards, but documented violations in select areas are on record.
How Saint Clair Shores Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Saint Clair Shores Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 93% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.71 — above typical levels.
Saint Clair Shores's Water Providers
In Saint Clair Shores, MI, residential water supply is distributed across multiple utilities rather than concentrated in one. The 3 leading providers out of 3 tracked systems each control their own infrastructure, file separate EPA compliance reports, and set independent rate schedules.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan (population ~58,217), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 180,254 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Saint Clair Shores — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Saint Clair Shores: C (58/100)
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
Saint Clair Shores water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Saint Clair Shores
- 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): 3 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48080 | C | EASTPOINTE, CITY OF | 32,442 |
| 48081 | C | ROSEVILLE, CITY OF | 47,299 |
| 48082 | C | CLINTON TOWNSHIP | 100,513 |
All ZIP Codes in Saint Clair Shores
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.
Saint Clair Shores 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
Saint Clair Shores Infrastructure Age
With 93% 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, Saint Clair Shores is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1952 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Saint Clair Shores 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 Saint Clair Shores
In Saint Clair Shores, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Saint Clair Shores are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 2% below the Michigan average.
Saint Clair Shores: 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.
93% of Saint Clair Shores housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Saint Clair Shores: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
NFIP records stretching across multiple decades show Saint Clair Shores accumulating 453 claims and carrying 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA flood zones — evidence of meaningful exposure that extends beyond isolated incidents. The mechanisms linking flooding to water quality haven't changed: treatment facilities can be overwhelmed, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution systems can experience backflow. For a community at this exposure level, those mechanisms shift from hypothetical to periodically relevant.
Saint Clair Shores has a moderate flood history with 453 FEMA claims averaging $1,373 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.
What You Can Do in Saint Clair Shores
- 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 93% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Saint Clair Shores, MI