Michigan City, MS Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm across most of Michigan City, MS — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How Michigan City Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Michigan City Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 62% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 16.51 — above typical levels.
Michigan City's Water Providers
Michigan City, MS is covered by 3 major water utilities out of 4 federally tracked systems, each managing its own pipes, treatment processes, and EPA filings. What a household gets from the tap depends on which provider's system serves that address.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Michigan City, Mississippi (population ~814), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 12,849 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Michigan City — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Michigan City: C (66/100)
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
Michigan City water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Michigan City
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38647 | C | City of Holly Springs | 9,779 |
All ZIP Codes in Michigan City
- 38647 [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.
Michigan City 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
Michigan City Infrastructure Age
With 62% 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, Michigan City's housing stock carries a median build year of 1987. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Michigan City 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.
Michigan City: 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.
When older housing represents 62% 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 Michigan City address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Michigan City
- 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 62% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Michigan City, MS