Is Dryden, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.7/100
waterverge.com Dryden, MI — Water Quality Report
Dryden's drinking water received a grade of A (92.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,034 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 11 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dryden's water
Dryden ranks #56 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Dryden 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, Dryden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dryden, MI water safe to drink?
Dryden's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,034 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dryden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dryden's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-774). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dryden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dryden's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lapeer County has experienced 4 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 East Pond Creek.
Where does Dryden's water come from?
Dryden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,034 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Pond Creek (river).
What Dryden 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.
Dryden'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 Dryden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dryden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROMEO RIM INC. - PLANTS 1 & 2 ROMEO, MI48065 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
MSP INDUSTRIES OXFORD, MI48371 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
ROYAL BUILDING PRODUCTS METAMORA, MI48455 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Dryden
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.
- METAMORA LANDFILL7.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Lapeer County has experienced 4 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Dryden compares by contaminant
Explore where Dryden ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dryden's water comes from
Dryden'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 1,034 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dryden
Dryden is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dryden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRYDEN, VILLAGE OF | MI0001870 | 1,034 | GW |
How Dryden compares
Full Michigan rankings →Dryden's score of 92.7/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Dryden, MI
Wikipedia →Dryden is a village in Lapeer County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,023 at the 2020 census. The village is located within Dryden Township.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dryden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lapeer
Frequently asked questions
Is Dryden, MI tap water safe to drink?
Dryden's water quality earned a grade of A (92.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #56 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Dryden's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Dryden'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 Dryden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dryden's water come from?
Dryden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,034 residents.
What health violations has Dryden's water system had?
Dryden has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dryden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dryden 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 11 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 Dryden's water compare to other cities?
Dryden ranks #56 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 89% of state cities) and #1151 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dryden's small water system affect quality?
Dryden's system serves approximately 1,034 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 11 violations on record.