Saint Joseph, MI Water Safety: 60/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Saint Joseph lands near the MI median for water safety — compliance results are mixed, and the city's middle-grade standing reflects genuine variability across service areas rather than one problem driving the whole picture.
How Saint Joseph Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Saint Joseph Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 74% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.71 — above typical levels.
Saint Joseph's Water Providers
One utility dominates residential water service in Saint Joseph, MI — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Saint Joseph, Michigan, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 23,575 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Saint Joseph — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Saint Joseph: C (60/100)
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 Joseph water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Saint Joseph
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49085 | C | BENTON HARBOR | 9,103 |
All ZIP Codes in Saint Joseph
- 49085 [C]
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 Joseph 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 Joseph Infrastructure Age
With 74% 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
Decades of residential development in Saint Joseph took place before the two main regulatory milestones that reduced plumbing-era lead risk: the phase-out of lead pipes before 1970, and the federal ban on lead solder in 1986. With a median build year of 1963, the housing stock here is anchored in that earlier period. The distinction between pre-1970 and 1970-to-1986 construction matters: the oldest homes may have lead pipes in the service line and lead solder in the copper joints, while the 1970-to-1986 tier still carries the solder risk even after lead pipes became less common. Together, these two risk layers affect a majority of the residential properties in the city — a fact the aggregate water quality data doesn't directly reveal.
Over half of homes in Saint Joseph 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 Joseph
Low proportionality — that's the Saint Joseph picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Saint Joseph are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 41% above the Michigan average.
Saint Joseph: 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.
Reading the local data together points toward a structural gap that matters more here than in low-exposure communities. 74% of Saint Joseph stock comes from the pre-rule era, and citywide monitoring either approaches or sits beyond the federal benchmark under Lead and Copper Rule sampling. A baseline kit fits the routine-diligence category, with certified filtration available via retailer networks where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Saint Joseph: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
A moderate NFIP record for Saint Joseph — 93 insurance claims paired with 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Saint Joseph has a moderate flood history with 93 FEMA claims averaging $23,404 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>$1,800</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 Joseph
- 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 74% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Saint Joseph, MI