Is Dover, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.4/100
waterverge.com Dover, MI — Water Quality Report
Dover's drinking water received a grade of B (75.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 13 water systems serve approximately 2,605 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 149 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dover's water
Dover ranks #411 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Dover 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, Dover may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dover, MI water safe to drink?
Dover's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 13 water systems serve approximately 2,605 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dover
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dover's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.4/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4834). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3622). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dover's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Dover's water system has 149 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hillsborough County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. 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 Bullfrog Creek, Alafia River, Turkey Creek, Archie Creek, North Archie Creek.
Where does Dover's water come from?
Dover's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 13 water systems serving approximately 2,605 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bullfrog Creek (river), Alafia River (river), Turkey Creek (river), Archie Creek (river), North Archie Creek (river).
What Dover residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dover'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.
Dover'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHillsborough County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Hillsborough County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Dover's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.45 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.450 mg/L (2024)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Dover compares by contaminant
Explore where Dover ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dover's water comes from
Dover'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,605 people through 13 water systems.
Water bodies near Dover
Dover is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dover
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNBURST RV PARK-TAMPA EAST | FL6290685 | 600 | GW |
| CITRUS HILLS RVP | FL6295275 | 425 | GW |
| SAN JOSE MISSION | FL6296224 | 375 | GW |
| TAMPA EAST THE PALMS | FL6295202 | 249 | GW |
| TAMPA EAST RV RESORT | FL6292648 | 167 | GW |
| VALRICO HILLS TRAILER PARK | FL6290112 | 162 | GW |
| BARRINGTON HOA | FL6296194 | 130 | GW |
| ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAILER PARK | FL6295647 | 117 | GW |
| THE PALMS AT DOVER MHP | FL6294714 | 114 | GW |
| PATRICIA HEARD MLC | FL6295971 | 88 | GW |
| SKIPPER MHP | FL6296317 | 70 | GW |
| DOWNING, LLC | FL6295151 | 67 | GW |
| FRESH START MHP | FL6295604 | 41 | GW |
How Dover compares
Full Michigan rankings →Dover's score of 75.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Dover, MI
Wikipedia →Brandon is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. Its population was 114,626 at the 2020 census, up from 103,483 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan statistical area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dover's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hillsborough
Frequently asked questions
Is Dover, MI tap water safe to drink?
Dover's water quality earned a grade of B (75.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #411 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Dover's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 149 violations are on record.
How is Dover'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 Dover?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dover's water come from?
Dover's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 13 water systems serving approximately 2,605 residents.
What health violations has Dover's water system had?
Dover has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dover's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dover 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 149 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 Dover's water compare to other cities?
Dover ranks #411 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 21% of state cities) and #9591 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.