Worst Infrastructure: Detroit Metro — 2026

Out of 45 ZIP codes with infrastructure data in the Detroit metro area, these areas face the highest estimated risk of water pipe failure based on infrastructure age, funding gaps, and violation history.

Statistic	Value
ZIP codes ranked	45
Highest risk	NaN%
Median risk	NaN%
Average risk	NaN%

Top 45 Highest Risk ZIP Codes

Rank	ZIP Code	City	State	Pipe Failure Risk	Risk Level	Safety Score
1	48088	Warren	MI	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
2	48089	Warren	MI	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
3	48091	Warren	MI	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
4	48092	Warren	MI	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
5	48093	Warren	MI	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
6	48103	Ann Arbor	MI	NaN%	Unknown	62/100
7	48104	Ann Arbor	MI	NaN%	Unknown	67/100
8	48105	Ann Arbor	MI	NaN%	Unknown	62/100
9	48108	Ann Arbor	MI	NaN%	Unknown	65/100
10	48109	Ann Arbor	MI	NaN%	Unknown	67/100
11	48120	Dearborn	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
12	48124	Dearborn	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
13	48125	Dearborn Heights	MI	NaN%	Unknown	82/100
14	48126	Dearborn	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
15	48127	Dearborn Heights	MI	NaN%	Unknown	81/100
16	48128	Dearborn	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
17	48201	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
18	48202	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
19	48204	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
20	48205	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	90/100
21	48206	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
22	48207	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
23	48208	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	—
24	48209	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
25	48210	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
26	48211	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	87/100
27	48213	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
28	48214	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
29	48215	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
30	48216	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
31	48217	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
32	48219	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	89/100
33	48221	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
34	48223	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	90/100
35	48224	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	90/100
36	48226	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
37	48227	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
38	48228	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
39	48234	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
40	48235	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
41	48238	Detroit	MI	NaN%	Unknown	92/100
42	48310	Sterling Heights	MI	NaN%	Unknown	100/100
43	48312	Sterling Heights	MI	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
44	48313	Sterling Heights	MI	NaN%	Unknown	99/100
45	48314	Sterling Heights	MI	NaN%	Unknown	100/100

Methodology

Infrastructure risk rankings combine four data sources, each weighted equally (25%): (1) EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey (DWINS 2023) — state-level 20-year funding gap per capita for pipe replacement, treatment, and storage; (2) Census ACS housing vintage — percentage of homes built before 1980, when lead solder and galvanized pipes were common; (3) EPA SDWIS violation and enforcement data — system-level compliance history; (4) Lead and Copper Rule indicators — service line material inventories and 90th percentile lead testing results. The combined score is normalized to a 0-100% probability scale.

Data sources: EPA DWINS 2023, Census ACS, EPA SDWIS, Lead and Copper Rule data. Last updated: 2026-08-31.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does pipe failure probability mean?

Pipe failure probability estimates the likelihood of water main breaks, lead contamination from corroded pipes, or service disruptions based on infrastructure age, state funding gaps, violation history, and lead indicators. It is not a prediction of imminent failure, but a risk assessment based on known factors.

How is infrastructure risk calculated?

The risk score combines four equally weighted factors: state-level infrastructure funding gap per capita (from EPA DWINS 2023), housing vintage (Census ACS pre-1980 housing percentage), water system violation and enforcement history (EPA SDWIS), and lead exposure indicators (service line probability and testing results).

What can homeowners do about aging infrastructure?

Test your tap water annually, especially for lead. Check if your home has a lead service line through your water utility. Consider a whole-house water filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified). Review your water system Consumer Confidence Report for violation history.

Does high risk mean my water is unsafe right now?

Not necessarily. Infrastructure risk indicates long-term vulnerability, not current contamination. However, areas with aging pipes and high violation counts have a statistically higher chance of water quality issues. Regular testing is the best way to verify your water safety.