Is Climax, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.4/100
waterverge.com Climax, MI — Water Quality Report
Climax's drinking water received a grade of A (90.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 965 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 10 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Climax's water
Climax ranks #109 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Climax 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, Climax may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Climax, MI water safe to drink?
Climax's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 965 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Climax
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Climax's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-465). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Climax's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Climax's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Kalamazoo County has experienced 2 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 Kalamazoo River, Augusta Creek.
Where does Climax's water come from?
Climax's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 965 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kalamazoo River (river), Augusta Creek (river).
What Climax residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Climax'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 Climax
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Climax, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LANDSCAPE FORMS INC KALAMAZOO, MI49048 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
HUMPHREY PRODUCTS CO KALAMAZOO, MI49048 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
OMEGA CASTINGS INC BATTLE CREEK, MI49037 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
ADIENT US LLC BATTLE CREEK FACILITY BATTLE CREEK, MI49037 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
DENSO MANUFACTURING MICHIGAN INC BATTLE CREEK, MI49037 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Kalamazoo County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Climax compares by contaminant
Explore where Climax ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Climax's water comes from
Climax'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 965 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Climax
Climax is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Climax
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLIMAX | MI0001465 | 767 | GW |
| CLIMAX MOBILE HOME PARK | MI0040248 | 198 | GW |
How Climax compares
Full Michigan rankings →Climax's score of 90.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Climax, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Climax's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kalamazoo
Frequently asked questions
Is Climax, MI tap water safe to drink?
Climax's water quality earned a grade of A (90.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #109 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Climax's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Climax'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 Climax?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Climax's water come from?
Climax's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 965 residents.
What health violations has Climax's water system had?
Climax has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Climax's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Climax 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 10 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 Climax's water compare to other cities?
Climax ranks #109 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 79% of state cities) and #2249 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.