Is Burr Oak, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.8/100
waterverge.com Burr Oak, MI — Water Quality Report
Burr Oak's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 828 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 77 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Burr Oak's water
Burr Oak ranks #429 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Burr Oak 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, Burr Oak may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Burr Oak, MI water safe to drink?
Burr Oak's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 828 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Burr Oak
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Burr Oak's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.8/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, DICHLOROMETHANE.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Burr Oak's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Burr Oak's water system has 77 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Burr Oak's water come from?
Burr Oak's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 828 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Prairie River (river).
What Burr Oak residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Burr Oak's water.
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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Burr Oak
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Burr Oak, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BRONSON PLATING CO BRONSON, MI49028 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
MORGAN OLSON LLC STURGIS, MI49091 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
ABBOTT NUTRITION STURGIS, MI49091 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Burr Oak
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- STURGIS MUNICIPAL WELLS5.5 mi
- NORTH BRONSON INDUSTRIAL AREA7.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Burr Oak's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.600 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Burr Oak compares by contaminant
Explore where Burr Oak ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Burr Oak's water comes from
Burr Oak'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 828 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Burr Oak
Burr Oak is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Burr Oak
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BURR OAK | MI0001000 | 828 | GW |
How Burr Oak compares
Full Michigan rankings →Burr Oak's score of 72.8/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Burr Oak, MI
Wikipedia →Burr Oak is a village in St. Joseph County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, Burr Oak had a population of 753. The village is located within Burr Oak Township.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Burr Oak's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Joseph
Frequently asked questions
Is Burr Oak, MI tap water safe to drink?
Burr Oak's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #429 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Burr Oak's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 77 violations are on record.
How is Burr Oak'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 Burr Oak?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Burr Oak's water come from?
Burr Oak's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 828 residents.
Is Burr Oak's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Burr Oak 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 77 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 Burr Oak's water compare to other cities?
Burr Oak ranks #429 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 18% of state cities) and #10241 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Burr Oak's small water system affect quality?
Burr Oak's system serves approximately 828 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 77 violations on record.