Is Colon, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.8/100
waterverge.com Colon, MI — Water Quality Report
Colon's drinking water received a grade of B (78.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,190 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 28 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colon's water
Colon ranks #376 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Colon 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, Colon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colon, MI water safe to drink?
Colon's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (78.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,190 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Colon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colon's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.8/100).
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, DICHLOROMETHANE.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Colon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Colon's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Colon's water come from?
Colon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,190 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bear Creek (river), Little Portage (river), Prairie River (river).
What Colon residents can do
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 Colon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Colon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BRONSON PLATING CO BRONSON, MI49028 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Colon
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.
- NORTH BRONSON INDUSTRIAL AREA8.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 Colon compares by contaminant
Explore where Colon ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colon's water comes from
Colon'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 1,190 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Colon
Colon is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Colon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLON | MI0001540 | 1,190 | GW |
How Colon compares
Full Michigan rankings →Colon's score of 78.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Colon, MI
Wikipedia →Colon is a village in St. Joseph County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,199 at the 2020 census. The village is located within Colon Township. It is known as "The Magic Capital of the World", as it is the home of the Abbott Magic Company, the site of the annual Abbott's Magic Get-Together, and the former home and burial site of the famed stage magician Harry Blackstone, Sr.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Joseph
Frequently asked questions
Is Colon, MI tap water safe to drink?
Colon's water quality earned a grade of B (78.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #376 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Colon's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Colon'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 Colon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colon's water come from?
Colon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,190 residents.
Is Colon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Colon 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 28 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 Colon's water compare to other cities?
Colon ranks #376 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 28% of state cities) and #8517 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Colon's small water system affect quality?
Colon's system serves approximately 1,190 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 28 violations on record.