Is Galesburg, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.7/100
waterverge.com Galesburg, MI — Water Quality Report
Galesburg's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,407 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.9 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 14 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Galesburg's water
Galesburg ranks #292 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Galesburg 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, Galesburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Galesburg, MI water safe to drink?
Galesburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,407 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Galesburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Galesburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-465). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Galesburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Galesburg's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kalamazoo County has experienced 2 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 Austin Lake, Augusta Creek, Kalamazoo River.
Where does Galesburg's water come from?
Galesburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,407 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Austin Lake (lake), Augusta Creek (river), Kalamazoo River (river).
What Galesburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Galesburg'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.
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 Galesburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Galesburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 583 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PHARMACIA & UPJOHN CO LLC A SUBSIDIARY OF PFIZER INC PORTAGE, MI49002 | Methanol | 583 | 9.1 mi |
FLOWSERVE CORP KALAMAZOO, MI49001 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
LANDSCAPE FORMS INC KALAMAZOO, MI49048 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
BUNTING BEARINGS LLC. PORTAGE, MI49002 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
HUMPHREY PRODUCTS CO KALAMAZOO, MI49048 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Galesburg
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.
- MICHIGAN DISPOSAL SERVICE CORK STREET LANDFILL6.9 mi
- AUTO ION CHEMICALS INC7.7 mi
- ALLIED PAPER INC PORTAGE CREEK KALAMAZOO RIVER8.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Kalamazoo County has experienced 2 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. | 2.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Galesburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Galesburg ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Galesburg's water comes from
Galesburg'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 2,407 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Galesburg
Galesburg is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Galesburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GALESBURG | MI0002530 | 2,377 | GW |
| CHARLESTON TOWNSHIP | MI0001327 | 30 | GW |
How Galesburg compares
Full Michigan rankings →Galesburg's score of 83.7/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Galesburg, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Galesburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kalamazoo
Frequently asked questions
Is Galesburg, MI tap water safe to drink?
Galesburg's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #292 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Galesburg's water?
Lead was measured at 2.9 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Galesburg'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 Galesburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Galesburg's water come from?
Galesburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,407 residents.
What health violations has Galesburg's water system had?
Galesburg has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Galesburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Galesburg 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 14 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 Galesburg's water compare to other cities?
Galesburg ranks #292 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 44% of state cities) and #6299 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.