Is Eau Claire, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
60.3/100
waterverge.com Eau Claire, MI — Water Quality Report
Eau Claire's drinking water received a grade of C (60.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 610 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 71.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Eau Claire's water
Eau Claire ranks #474 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Eau Claire 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Eau Claire may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Eau Claire, MI water safe to drink?
Eau Claire's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 610 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Eau Claire
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eau Claire's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Eau Claire's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Eau Claire's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved. 5 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 Dowagiac River, Franz And Norton.
Where does Eau Claire's water come from?
Eau Claire's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 610 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Dowagiac River (river), Franz And Norton (river).
What Eau Claire residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Eau Claire'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Eau Claire'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 Eau Claire
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Eau Claire, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GAST MANUFACTURING INC BENTON HARBOR, MI49022 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
CHAMPLAIN SPECIALTY METALS INC. BENTON HARBOR, MI49022 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
TECH NICKEL INC BENTON HARBOR, MI49022 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
NILES STEEL TANK NILES, MI49120 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Eau Claire'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. | 71.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 71.0 ppb (2019)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Eau Claire compares by contaminant
Explore where Eau Claire ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Eau Claire's water comes from
Eau Claire'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 610 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Eau Claire
Eau Claire is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Eau Claire
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAU CLAIRE | MI0002030 | 610 | GW |
How Eau Claire compares
Full Michigan rankings →Eau Claire's score of 60.3/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Eau Claire, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Eau Claire's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berrien
Frequently asked questions
Is Eau Claire, MI tap water safe to drink?
Eau Claire's water quality earned a grade of C (60.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #474 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Eau Claire's water?
Lead was measured at 71.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Eau Claire'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 Eau Claire?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Eau Claire's water come from?
Eau Claire's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 610 residents.
What health violations has Eau Claire's water system had?
Eau Claire has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Eau Claire's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Eau Claire 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 13 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 Eau Claire's water compare to other cities?
Eau Claire ranks #474 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 9% of state cities) and #12099 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Eau Claire's small water system affect quality?
Eau Claire's system serves approximately 610 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 13 violations on record.