Stephenson, MI: 1 Violation — 72/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Stephenson tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for MI — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Stephenson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Stephenson Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 1 violation in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 67% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.71 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Stephenson
A single dominant system supplies most of Stephenson, MI. That utility controls infrastructure decisions, rate structures, and EPA compliance reporting for most residential addresses served across those 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Stephenson, Michigan, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,735 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Stephenson: B (72/100)
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
Stephenson water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Stephenson
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49887 | B | 1 | 0 | Stephenson |
All ZIP Codes in Stephenson
- 49887 [B] — 1 violation
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.
Health Outcomes in Stephenson
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
Top Contaminants in Stephenson Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Stephenson
With 67% 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
Because the majority of Stephenson's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1975 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Stephenson 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Stephenson Homeowners
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Stephenson 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 Stephenson are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 26% below the Michigan average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Stephenson
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.
Routinely in Stephenson, where 67% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Stephenson, MI