ZipCheckup grade for 49544: B.
This ZIP has a few items worth a quick check.
Your top priority: use a filter certified to reduce PFAS; check which ones. Check your ZIP → EPA PFAS info
Grand Rapids, MI (49544): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 70/100
EPA data combined for 4 water systems mapped to this ZIP (largest mapped system: Grand Rapids)
Health-based violation records by water system:
- Lincoln Pines (3)
- Tallmadge Meadows (1)
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 49544 in Grand Rapids, MI contain 12 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 4 are marked health-based.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 4 health-based violations and 8 non-health-based (since 2021).
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result of 0.007 mg/L is below the EPA action level, but EPA's health goal for lead is zero; filtration is advisable.
- PFAS PFAS detected in UCMR5 sampling; see the PFAS section for each compound, compared with the federal PFAS MCL where one exists.
- Radon EPA Zone 2 - county-level radon potential, not a home measurement.
- Flood 1 cumulative NFIP claim record. Claim evidence is historical, not current map coverage.
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Safety data compiled for 49544 in Grand Rapids produces two severity tiers of concern: one condition is classified as critical - the highest designation in the record - while 1 additional finding fall into the high-priority tier, each independently sourced and described in the cards below.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: 70/100
This is the published model score. Component and domain values are shown independently; they are not added together on this page.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 4 of 4 components and 3 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (8) CRITICAL
Your Water System
ZIP code 49544 in Grand Rapids, Michigan is mapped to the water system Grand Rapids (EPA ID: MI0002790). This system provides water to approximately 306,901 people from surface water sources.
There are 4 community water systems serving this area.
Water Systems Serving This Area
| System Name | EPA ID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids | MI0002790 | 306,901 | Surface water |
| Plainfield Township | MI0005370 | 42,271 | Surface water |
| Lincoln Pines | MI0040586 | 390 | Groundwater |
| Tallmadge Meadows | MI0040426 | 268 | Groundwater |
Other Water Quality Reports in Michigan
- 48001 (Algonac) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 48002 (Allenton)
- 48003 (Almont) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 48004 (Anchorville)
- 48005 (Armada) - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 48006 (Avoca)
- 48007 (Troy)
- 48009 (Birmingham) - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 48012 (Birmingham)
- 48014 (Capac) - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 48015 (Center Line)
- 48017 (Clawson) - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 48021 (Eastpointe) - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 48022 (Emmett)
- 48023 (Fair Haven)
- 48025 (Franklin) - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 48026 (Fraser) - 8 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 48027 (Goodells)
- 48028 (Harsens Island)
- 48030 (Hazel Park)
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 49534 (Grand Rapids) - 2 mi - 9 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 49504 (Grand Rapids) - 2 mi - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 49550 (Grand Rapids) - 4 mi
- 49321 (Comstock Park) - 4 mi - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 49502 (Grand Rapids) - 4 mi
- 49523 (Grand Rapids) - 4 mi
- 49555 (Grand Rapids) - 4 mi
- 49503 (Grand Rapids) - 5 mi - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 49505 (Grand Rapids) - 5 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 49501 (Grand Rapids) - 5 mi
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Grand Rapids (MI0002790) on EPA.gov.
5 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
Compliance History
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 49544.
Detected compounds: PFBA, PFBS.
Highest measured level: 0.0051 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Environmental Hazards (11) CRITICAL
Home & Infrastructure (6) MODERATE
Cost & Community (9) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in Grand Rapids
Based on local data for ZIP 49544, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in Grand Rapids has 1 FEMA flood claim on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Gutter Installation & Repair
The median home in 49544 was built around 1986. Aging gutters can cause foundation damage, basement flooding, and mold - a professional assessment can prevent costly repairs.
Typical cost: Gutter installation: typically $1,000–$2,500 for a standard home
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsService recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 49544 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 12 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 49544 (primary system: Grand Rapids), including 4 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 49544's water come from?
The recorded water source for Grand Rapids, a system mapped to ZIP code 49544, is Surface water. This system serves approximately 306,901 people.
How does Grand Rapids water compare to the national average?
Grand Rapids's Home Safety Score ranks lower than 55% of U.S. ZIP codes, and lower than 89% of ZIP codes within Michigan.
How can I get my water tested in Grand Rapids?
If Grand Rapids supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
Is lead a concern in 49544 tap water?
The Lead and Copper Rule record selected for 49544 reports a 90th-percentile lead result of 0.00698 mg/L for a water system mapped to this ZIP (record date 2025-12-31). The EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L. This result is below the EPA action level; it does not show the lead level in each home.
What is the radon risk for 49544?
49544 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 2 (moderate county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Kent County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 49544's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 49544. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 49544?
FEMA records contain 1 flood insurance claim filed in ZIP code 49544; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is C, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. Claim records do not establish current property risk. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Grand Rapids, MI (49544): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 70/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/49544/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-49544,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Grand Rapids, MI (49544): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 70/100}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/49544/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 49544
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49534 | Grand Rapids, MI | 1.5 mi | A | 9 |
| 49504 | Grand Rapids, MI | 2.3 mi | B | 3 |
| 49550 | Grand Rapids, MI | 3.8 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 49321 | Comstock Park, MI | 4.1 mi | B | 2 |
| 49502 | Grand Rapids, MI | 4.2 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 49523 | Grand Rapids, MI | 4.2 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 49555 | Grand Rapids, MI | 4.2 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 49503 | Grand Rapids, MI | 4.7 mi | B | 2 |
| 49505 | Grand Rapids, MI | 4.8 mi | B | 1 |
| 49501 | Grand Rapids, MI | 5.1 mi | N/A | 0 |
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