Is Camden, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.8/100
waterverge.com Camden, MI — Water Quality Report
Camden's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 512 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Camden's water
Camden ranks #201 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Camden 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, Camden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Camden, MI water safe to drink?
Camden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 512 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Camden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Camden's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Camden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Camden's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hillsdale County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 West Branch St. Joseph River Nr Nettle Lake.
Where does Camden's water come from?
Camden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 512 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include West Branch St. Joseph River Nr Nettle Lake (river).
What Camden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Camden'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 Camden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Camden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DEXTER AXLE FREMONT, IN46737 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
GENERAL ALUMINUM MANUFACTURING CO FREMONT, IN46737 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
CARDINAL IG - FREMONT FREMONT, IN46737 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Hillsdale County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Camden compares by contaminant
Explore where Camden ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Camden's water comes from
Camden'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 512 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Camden
Camden is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Camden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMDEN | MI0001050 | 512 | GW |
How Camden compares
Full Michigan rankings →Camden's score of 86.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Camden, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Camden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hillsdale
Frequently asked questions
Is Camden, MI tap water safe to drink?
Camden's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #201 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Camden's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Camden'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 Camden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Camden's water come from?
Camden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 512 residents.
Is Camden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Camden 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 7 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 Camden's water compare to other cities?
Camden ranks #201 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 61% of state cities) and #4488 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Camden's small water system affect quality?
Camden's system serves approximately 512 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 7 violations on record.