WaterVerge

Is Barnegat Twp.-1533, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NJ1533002
Overall Score
86 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#222 of 520 in Michigan Top 32% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86/100
waterverge.com
A- 86/100

Barnegat Twp.-1533, MI — Water Quality Report

Barnegat Twp.-1533's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,493 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 101 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Barnegat Twp.-1533's water

Barnegat Twp.-1533 ranks #222 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Barnegat Twp.-1533 relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Barnegat Twp.-1533 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
38/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Barnegat Twp.-1533, MI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Barnegat Twp.-1533's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,493 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
1.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Barnegat Twp.-1533

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Barnegat Twp.-1533's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: CYANIDE, Fluoride.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4195). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Barnegat Twp.-1533's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 2.26 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Barnegat Twp.-1533's water system has 101 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Dec 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2017 CYANIDE Resolved
Jan 2017 Fluoride Resolved
Nov 2014 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2005 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Oakland County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include River Rouge, Upper River Rouge, Johnson Creek, Middle River Rouge.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4757
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4195
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3225

Where does Barnegat Twp.-1533's water come from?

Barnegat Twp.-1533's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,493 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include River Rouge (river), Upper River Rouge (river), Johnson Creek (river), Middle River Rouge (river).

What Barnegat Twp.-1533 residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Barnegat Twp.-1533's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Monitor alerts during storms

Barnegat Twp.-1533's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 9% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
2.26 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

101
Total violations
1
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Dec 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

101 Total
3 Active
1 Health-based
98 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
71
Inorganic Chemicals
14
Total Coliform Rule
6
Nitrate Rule
3
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Dec 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2005 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2017 Resolved
CYANIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Nov 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2014
Aug 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2004
Jul 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2004
Jul 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2004
Jul 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Oct 2000 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2000
Oct 2000 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2000
Oct 2000 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2000
Oct 2000 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2000
Oct 2000 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2000
Oct 2000 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2000
Oct 2000 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2000
Oct 2000 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2000
Showing 20 of 101 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Feb 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Oakland County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Feb 2024
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4757
Sep 2014
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4195
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3225
Apr 1975
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #465

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Barnegat Twp.-1533's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 2.26 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 23.7 ppb from 1993 (25.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.3 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 0.400 mg/L from 1993 (1.860 mg/L) to 2008 (2.260 mg/L).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Barnegat Twp.-1533 compares by contaminant

Explore where Barnegat Twp.-1533 ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,493
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Barnegat Twp.-1533's water comes from

Groundwater

Barnegat Twp.-1533's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,493 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Barnegat Twp.-1533

Barnegat Twp.-1533 is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

River Rouge
river
Upper River Rouge
river
Johnson Creek
river
Middle River Rouge
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Barnegat Twp.-1533

System Name PWSID Population Source
PINEWOOD ESTATES-BRIGHTN NJ1533002 1,493 GW
Regional Comparison

How Barnegat Twp.-1533 compares

Full Michigan rankings →

Barnegat Twp.-1533's score of 86/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Barnegat Twp.-1533 (this city)
86
Detroit
84.1
Ann Arbor
51.5
Lansing
57.3
Michigan avg
70
City Profile

About Barnegat Twp.-1533, MI

Wikipedia →

Farmington Hills is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. A northwestern suburb of Detroit, Farmington Hills is located roughly 22 miles (35.4 km) from downtown Detroit. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 83,986, making it the second-largest community in Oakland County.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Barnegat Twp.-1533, MI tap water safe to drink?

Barnegat Twp.-1533's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #222 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.

What contaminants are in Barnegat Twp.-1533's water?

Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 101 violations are on record.

How is Barnegat Twp.-1533's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Barnegat Twp.-1533?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Barnegat Twp.-1533's water come from?

Barnegat Twp.-1533's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,493 residents.

What health violations has Barnegat Twp.-1533's water system had?

Barnegat Twp.-1533 has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.

Is Barnegat Twp.-1533's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Barnegat Twp.-1533 uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 101 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Barnegat Twp.-1533's water compare to other cities?

Barnegat Twp.-1533 ranks #222 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 57% of state cities) and #4995 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Barnegat Twp.-1533's small water system affect quality?

Barnegat Twp.-1533's system serves approximately 1,493 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 101 violations on record.