Water Quality in Saint Clair Shores, MI: No Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 58/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Saint Clair Shores's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
When EPA compliance data is reviewed for Saint Clair Shores, MI, the result holds consistent: zero violations documented across 3 tracked water systems, with every health-based limit and monitoring requirement met through the full dataset available in SDWIS.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Saint Clair Shores
Water quality varies across Saint Clair Shores's 3 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48081 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 48080 | C | 60 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 48082 | C | 60 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Saint Clair Shores, Michigan receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 58 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 3 water systems serving Saint Clair Shores. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Saint Clair Shores's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Saint Clair Shores is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 93% of homes built before 1986, Saint Clair Shores 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 Saint Clair Shores
Saint Clair Shores is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 180,254 people across 3 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
How to Check Your Water in Saint Clair Shores
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
Saint Clair Shores vs. Nearby Michigan Cities
How Saint Clair Shores's water quality compares to similar cities in Michigan:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Clair Shores | C | 0 | 3 | 180,254 |
| Comstock | C | 0 | 1 | 192,992 |
| Nazareth | D | 0 | 1 | 192,992 |
| Oshtemo | D | 0 | 1 | 192,992 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Saint Clair Shores
Water quality varies across Saint Clair Shores's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
Common Questions About Saint Clair Shores Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan:
Is Saint Clair Shores water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Saint Clair Shores's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Saint Clair Shores tap water? Saint Clair Shores's water receives a grade of C (58/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Saint Clair Shores? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Saint Clair Shores vs. Michigan Average
Understanding how Saint Clair Shores 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 Saint Clair Shores.
ZIP Codes in Saint Clair Shores
Saint Clair Shores spans 3 ZIP codes. 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.