Galesburg
EPA ID: MI0002530 · 2,377 people served · 4 ZIP codes
Galesburg recorded 7 EPA violations over the past five years, all of which have since been resolved — the utility is currently in compliance serving 2,377 residents.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Compliance Trajectory
Worsening · Risk tier: High · 95% chance of violation in next 12 months
Violations went from 1 (2022) to 4 (2025). The pattern suggests growing compliance challenges.
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Galesburg Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade C
Service Area Demographics
The Galesburg serves a community with a median household income of $76,152 and an estimated 36,426 residents across its service area. Approximately 67% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Galesburg'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.
About 1% of homes in Kalamazoo County, Michigan rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
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
Detected Contaminants
How Galesburg compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Lead at 3 mg/L (action level) exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.015 mg/L (action level). Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults. Consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Surface Water Treatment Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Revised Total Coliform Rule at 1 presence exceeds the EPA maximum of presence.
PFAS Detected in Service Area
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 10 detections recorded. 2 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS).
Lead was detected in this water system. reverse osmosis filtration can reduce exposure.
Find a certified water filter →Comparable Water Systems
Similar-sized systems in Michigan
Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
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.
System Overview
Galesburg (EPA ID: MI0002530) is a community water system in Michigan that serves approximately 2,377 people from groundwater sources.
This system provides water to 4 ZIP codes across 4 communities.
Average Home Safety Score: C (68/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2024 | Chlorine residual | Health-based | Resolved |
| September 1, 2024 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| September 1, 2024 | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 3 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Failure | 1 | No |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting Failure | 1 | No |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 1 | No |
Health Risk Details
Lead (EPA limit: 0.015 mg/L (action level))
Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults At-risk groups: infants, children under 6, pregnant women.
Removal methods: reverse osmosis, distillation, certified carbon block filter (NSF/ANSI 53). Find the right filter →
Chlorine (Residual Disinfectant) (EPA limit: 4 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level))
Irritation & DBP formation at high levels; protective at normal treatment levels At-risk groups: people with asthma or chemical sensitivities, kidney dialysis patients (water must be dechlorinated).
Removal methods: granular activated carbon (GAC), KDF media filter, carbon block filter. Find the right filter →
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49053 | 0.0029 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree 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 Galesburg (MI0002530) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Galesburg water safe to drink?
Galesburg 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 Galesburg serve?
Galesburg serves approximately 2,377 people across 4 ZIP codes in Michigan.
Where does Galesburg get its water?
The primary water source is groundwater.
Lead Service Line Inventory
Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:
Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Galesburg (EPA ID: MI0002530) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.