Watton, MI Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Watton, MI water systems: poor compliance record, lower-tier safety grade.
How Watton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Watton Water
- Homes built before 1986: 83% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.8 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Watton
Water service in Watton, MI is organized around a single utility — one of 1 tracked by regulator, and the one that manages the local distribution network while holding primary responsibility for EPA compliance reporting.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Watton, Michigan (population ~272), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 2,182 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Watton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Watton: D (53/100)
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
Watton water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Watton
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49970 | D | BARAGA | 2,182 |
All ZIP Codes in Watton
- 49970 [D]
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 Watton
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Watton
With 83% 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
The character of Watton's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1966 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in Watton 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 Watton Homeowners
At current valuations, Watton sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Watton are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 43% below the Michigan average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Watton
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 83% of Watton stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Watton
- 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 83% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Watton, MI