Health Violations Found MI 2 HEALTH VIOLATIONS

Berrien Springs

EPA ID: MI0000650 · 1,910 people served · 4 ZIP codes

Based on the latest federal compliance data, Berrien Springs has 2 violations that the EPA has not yet closed — those outstanding findings are part of the enforcement record for a utility that delivers water to approximately 1,910 people throughout its service territory.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

B · 82
Avg Safety Score
1,910
People Served
4
ZIP Codes Served
8
Violations (5yr)
Groundwater
Water Source
0.001 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 3
Radon Risk · Low
3
Contaminants Flagged
$225K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Service Area Map

Coverage area for Berrien Springs Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade B

Service Area Demographics

$61,888
Median Household Income
23,593
Service Area Population
29%
Disadvantaged Population
60th
Poverty Percentile
60th
Energy Burden Percentile
76%
Pre-1986 Housing

The Berrien Springs serves a community with a median household income of $61,888 and an estimated 23,593 residents across its service area. Approximately 76% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Groundwater

Berrien Springs's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
60th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
80th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 1% of homes in Berrien County, Michigan rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Wastewater Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 60th percentile nationally for proximity to wastewater discharge points.

Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 80th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites. Groundwater sources near contaminated sites may face elevated risk from industrial chemicals.

Infrastructure Risk

52 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Copper
Pipe Material
16 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Moderate Wear
Decay Status
Installed 76% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How Berrien Springs compares to EPA limits

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) 2 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.08 mg/L
Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns

What This Means For You

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.08 mg/L. Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.

Stage 2 DBP Rule at 4 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Surface Water Treatment Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) was detected in this water system. granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration can reduce exposure.

Find a certified water filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in Michigan

City of Yale,
1,900 people
B 5 violations
Lawton
1,900 people
A 1 violation
New Buffalo
1,900 people
0 violations
Crystal Falls
1,922 people
C 3 violations
Northville Crossing
1,890 people
0 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Flood Insurance Water Filtration
Flood Insurance $800
Water Filtration $200
Total Estimated Cost $1,000

Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $1,000

Annual per household (CDC est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$5,000
10 years
$10,000
20 years
$20,000

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $1,000 (one-time) vs. $10,000 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

Berrien Springs (EPA ID: MI0000650) is a community water system in Michigan that serves approximately 1,910 people from groundwater sources.

This system provides water to 4 ZIP codes across 3 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: B (82/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

2 health-based violations recorded in the past 5 years. 2 remain unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
October 17, 2024 Stage 2 DBP Rule Health-based Resolved
October 17, 2024 Stage 2 DBP Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2023 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
January 1, 2023 Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Monitoring Unresolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 4 Yes
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 2 No
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 2 No

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
49104 0.001 mg/L No N/A

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 3 (Low Risk)

Need help with your water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: Service area ZIP codes sourced from EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 (March 2026 release). These ZIPs reflect the actual deployment footprint recorded by MI or modeled from parcel and building-footprint data.

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Berrien Springs (MI0000650) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Berrien Springs water safe to drink?

Berrien Springs has recorded 2 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does Berrien Springs serve?

Berrien Springs serves approximately 1,910 people across 4 ZIP codes in Michigan.

Where does Berrien Springs get its water?

The primary water source is groundwater.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Tested Clean

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). No PFAS compounds were detected.

Samples collected
174

Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.

Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

132
Confirmed Lead
377
Galvanized — Replacement Required
0
Unknown Material
271
Confirmed Non-Lead

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported all required service line types
Latest tap sample on 2021-01-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Reporting compliance issue flagged by EPA under Rule 2E.
Compliance issue flagged by EPA under Rule 4G.
Population served: 1,910
Reported to Michigan

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from Berrien Springs safe to drink?
Berrien Springs earns a B safety grade with 8 violations in the past 5 years. Tap water meets EPA standards for most contaminants.
What contaminants are in Berrien Springs's water?
Detected contaminants include Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), Stage 2 DBP Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 3 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does Berrien Springs serve?
Berrien Springs serves approximately 1,910 people with drinking water across 4 ZIP codes.
What is Berrien Springs's water source?
Berrien Springs draws water from groundwater sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in Berrien Springs's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.001 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of Berrien Springs's service area?
The Berrien Springs service area has a median household income of $61,888. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does Berrien Springs get its water?
Berrien Springs's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

Berrien Springs (EPA ID: MI0000650) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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