Is Elkton, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.9/100
waterverge.com Elkton, MI — Water Quality Report
Elkton's drinking water received a grade of A (91.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 808 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 15 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Elkton's water
Elkton ranks #71 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Elkton 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, Elkton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elkton, MI water safe to drink?
Elkton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 808 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elkton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elkton's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chromium, Barium, Selenium.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Elkton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elkton's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Huron County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Pigeon River, Pinnebog River.
Where does Elkton's water come from?
Elkton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 808 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pigeon River (river), Pinnebog River (river).
What Elkton 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Elkton'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 Elkton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Elkton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BLUE DIAMOND STEEL CASTING,INC. PIGEON, MI48755 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
THUMB TOOL & ENGINEERING BAD AXE, MI48413 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
TOWER AUTOMOTIVE OPERATIONS USA I LLC ELKTON, MI48731 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
HURON CASTING INC PIGEON, MI48755 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Huron County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 4.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 4.1 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Elkton compares by contaminant
Explore where Elkton ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elkton's water comes from
Elkton'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 808 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Elkton
Elkton is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elkton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELKTON, VILLAGE OF | MI0002100 | 808 | GW |
How Elkton compares
Full Michigan rankings →Elkton's score of 91.9/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Elkton, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elkton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Huron
Frequently asked questions
Is Elkton, MI tap water safe to drink?
Elkton's water quality earned a grade of A (91.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #71 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Elkton's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Elkton'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 Elkton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elkton's water come from?
Elkton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 808 residents.
What health violations has Elkton's water system had?
Elkton has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Elkton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elkton 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 15 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 Elkton's water compare to other cities?
Elkton ranks #71 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 86% of state cities) and #1461 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Elkton's small water system affect quality?
Elkton's system serves approximately 808 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 15 violations on record.