Is Coloma, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.2/100
waterverge.com Coloma, MI — Water Quality Report
Coloma's drinking water received a grade of B (79.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,110 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 110 violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Coloma's water
Coloma ranks #368 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Coloma 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, Coloma may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Coloma, MI water safe to drink?
Coloma's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,110 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Coloma
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Coloma's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.2/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Xylenes, Total, DICHLOROMETHANE, p-Dichlorobenzene.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-654). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Coloma's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Coloma's water system has 110 total violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Berrien County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Paw Paw River.
Where does Coloma's water come from?
Coloma's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,110 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Paw Paw River (river).
What Coloma residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Coloma'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.
Coloma'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Coloma
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Coloma, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES USA LLC BENTON HARBOR, MI49022 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
CHAMPLAIN SPECIALTY METALS INC. BENTON HARBOR, MI49022 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
JVIS MANUFACTURING LLC BENTON HARBOR, MI49022 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
TECH NICKEL INC BENTON HARBOR, MI49022 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
ALUDYNE LLC BENTON HARBOR, MI49022 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Coloma
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.
- AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS D L SALES8.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Berrien County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Coloma compares by contaminant
Explore where Coloma ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Coloma's water comes from
Coloma'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 3,110 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Coloma
Coloma is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Coloma
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLOMA | MI0001530 | 1,555 | GW |
| COLOMA TOWNSHIP | MI0001535 | 1,425 | GWP |
| LAKE MICHIGAN BEACH RESORT POTTAWATTAMIE | MI0005549 | 80 | GW |
| AUTUMN HILLS | MI0001910 | 50 | GW |
How Coloma compares
Full Michigan rankings →Coloma's score of 79.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Coloma, MI
Wikipedia →Coloma is a city in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,465 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Coloma's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berrien
Frequently asked questions
Is Coloma, MI tap water safe to drink?
Coloma's water quality earned a grade of B (79.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #368 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Coloma's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 110 violations are on record.
How is Coloma'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 Coloma?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Coloma's water come from?
Coloma's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,110 residents.
What health violations has Coloma's water system had?
Coloma has 32 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Coloma's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Coloma 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 110 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 Coloma's water compare to other cities?
Coloma ranks #368 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 29% of state cities) and #8342 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.