Is Cassopolis, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.4/100
waterverge.com Cassopolis, MI — Water Quality Report
Cassopolis's drinking water received a grade of B (78.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,940 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 61 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cassopolis's water
Cassopolis ranks #380 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Cassopolis 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, Cassopolis may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cassopolis, MI water safe to drink?
Cassopolis's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,940 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cassopolis
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cassopolis's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.4/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-631). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cassopolis's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cassopolis's water system has 61 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cass County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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 Osborn Drain, Dowagiac River, Dowagiac Creek.
Where does Cassopolis's water come from?
Cassopolis's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,940 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Osborn Drain (river), Dowagiac River (river), Dowagiac Creek (river).
What Cassopolis residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cassopolis'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 Cassopolis
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cassopolis, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POSTLE EXTRUSIONS CASSOPOLIS, MI49031 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
MENNEL MILLING CO OF MICHIGAN DOWAGIAC, MI49047 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
AUTOCAM DOWAGIAC, MI49047 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
MIDWEST TIMBER INC EDWARDSBURG, MI49112 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
MERCURY DISPLACEMENT INDUSTRIES INC. EDWARDSBURG, MI49112 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Cass County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cassopolis compares by contaminant
Explore where Cassopolis ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cassopolis's water comes from
Cassopolis'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 1,940 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Cassopolis
Cassopolis is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cassopolis
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASSOPOLIS | MI0001250 | 1,815 | GW |
| COLONY BAY CONDOMINIUMS | MI0001552 | 75 | GWP |
| BARN SWALLOW APARTMENTS | MI0000418 | 50 | GW |
How Cassopolis compares
Full Michigan rankings →Cassopolis's score of 78.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Cassopolis, MI
Wikipedia →Cassopolis is a village in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Cass County. It is located mostly in LaGrange Township with a small portion extending east into Penn Township. The village and county are named after statesman Lewis Cass, a New Hampshire native and a prominent U.S. senator from Michigan prior to the American Civil War.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cassopolis's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cass
Frequently asked questions
Is Cassopolis, MI tap water safe to drink?
Cassopolis's water quality earned a grade of B (78.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #380 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Cassopolis's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 61 violations are on record.
How is Cassopolis'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 Cassopolis?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cassopolis's water come from?
Cassopolis's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,940 residents.
What health violations has Cassopolis's water system had?
Cassopolis has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cassopolis's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cassopolis 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 61 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 Cassopolis's water compare to other cities?
Cassopolis ranks #380 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 27% of state cities) and #8695 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.