Water Quality in Three Rivers, MI: 3 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Three Rivers's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Water systems in Three Rivers, MI have accumulated 3 EPA violations across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Three Rivers
Water quality varies across Three Rivers's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49093 | D | 54 | 3 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Three Rivers, Michigan receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Three Rivers have accumulated 3 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 8,341 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Three Rivers's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Three Rivers water systems is 0.0060 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 71% of homes built before 1986, Three Rivers 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.
Radon Risk
Three Rivers is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Three Rivers
Three Rivers is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 8,341 people across 1 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
The EPA has taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Three Rivers. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Three Rivers
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
Contaminants Detected in Three Rivers Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Three Rivers's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Three Rivers. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-08 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-06-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-06-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-11-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-11-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-08.
Three Rivers vs. Nearby Michigan Cities
How Three Rivers's water quality compares to similar cities in Michigan:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Rivers | D | 3 | 3 | 8,341 |
| Zeeland | A | 0 | 1 | 8,328 |
| Tawas City | A | 4 | 4 | 8,378 |
| Dodgeville | D | 0 | 1 | 8,386 |
Common Questions About Three Rivers Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Three Rivers, Michigan:
Is Three Rivers water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Three Rivers's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Three Rivers tap water? Three Rivers's water receives a grade of D (54/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Three Rivers? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Three Rivers vs. Michigan Average
Understanding how Three Rivers 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 Three Rivers.
ZIP Codes in Three Rivers
Three Rivers spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 49093. 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.