Vanderbilt, MI Water Safety: 72/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
The water systems supplying Vanderbilt show a track record of above-average compliance with federal standards — consistently among the better performers in MI.
How Vanderbilt Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Vanderbilt Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 54% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.43 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Vanderbilt
Because residential water in Vanderbilt, MI flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Vanderbilt, Michigan, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,918 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Vanderbilt — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Vanderbilt: 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
Vanderbilt water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Vanderbilt
- 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49795 | B | Horsell Manor | 25 |
All ZIP Codes in Vanderbilt
- 49795 [B]
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.
CDC Health Data for Vanderbilt
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
How Old Is Vanderbilt's Housing Stock?
With 54% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Vanderbilt's housing stock carries a median build year of 1986. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Vanderbilt 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.
Vanderbilt: Remediation Cost in Perspective
For most homeowners in Vanderbilt, the estimated cost of water and safety remediation represents a proportionally modest share of what properties are worth — placing this area in the lower tier of the remediation share scale.
Remediation costs in Vanderbilt are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 20% below the Michigan average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Vanderbilt
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.
When older housing represents 54% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Vanderbilt address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Vanderbilt, MI