Is Fennville, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.8/100
waterverge.com Fennville, MI — Water Quality Report
Fennville's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,615 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 18 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fennville's water
Fennville ranks #345 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Fennville 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, Fennville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fennville, MI water safe to drink?
Fennville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,615 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fennville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fennville's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4121). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fennville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fennville's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Allegan County has experienced 6 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 Kalamazoo River.
Where does Fennville's water come from?
Fennville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,615 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kalamazoo River (river).
What Fennville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fennville'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.
Fennville'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 Fennville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fennville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 108,510 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC. HAMILTON, MI49419 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 108,510 | 4.1 mi |
ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS HAMILTON, MI49419 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Allegan County has experienced 6 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fennville compares by contaminant
Explore where Fennville ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fennville's water comes from
Fennville'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 2,615 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Fennville
Fennville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fennville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FENNVILLE | MI0002260 | 2,438 | GW |
| RIVERSIDE ESTATES | MI0040030 | 100 | GW |
| GLENNWOODS SUBDIVISION | MI0002659 | 77 | GW |
How Fennville compares
Full Michigan rankings →Fennville's score of 80.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Fennville, MI
Wikipedia →Fennville is a city in Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,745 at the 2020 census. Located on M-89 on the boundary between Manlius Township to the north and Clyde Township to the south, Fennville is located about 11 miles (18 km) southeast of the city of Saugatuck and about 13 miles (21 km) west-northwest of the city of Allegan. It is about 13 miles (21 km) south of Holland, about 16 miles (26 km) northeast of South Haven and roughly 40 miles (64 km) miles southwest of Grand Rapids.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fennville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Allegan
Frequently asked questions
Is Fennville, MI tap water safe to drink?
Fennville's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #345 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Fennville's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Fennville'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 Fennville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fennville's water come from?
Fennville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,615 residents.
What health violations has Fennville's water system had?
Fennville has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fennville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fennville 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 18 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 Fennville's water compare to other cities?
Fennville ranks #345 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 34% of state cities) and #7714 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.