Is Gobles, 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 ↓
90.2/100
waterverge.com Gobles, MI — Water Quality Report
Gobles's drinking water received a grade of A (90.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 725 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Gobles's water
Gobles ranks #114 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Gobles 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, Gobles may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gobles, MI water safe to drink?
Gobles's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 725 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gobles
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gobles's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.2/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Arsenic.
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 Gobles's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gobles's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Van Buren County has experienced 5 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 Kalamazoo River.
Where does Gobles's water come from?
Gobles's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 725 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 Gobles 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.
Gobles'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 Gobles
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gobles, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALLOY STEEL TREATING CO. INC. GOBLES, MI49055 | — | — | 1.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Gobles
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.
- K L AVENUE LANDFILL9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Van Buren County has experienced 5 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Gobles compares by contaminant
Explore where Gobles ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gobles's water comes from
Gobles'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 725 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gobles
Gobles is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gobles
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOBLES | MI0002680 | 725 | GW |
How Gobles compares
Full Michigan rankings →Gobles's score of 90.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Gobles, MI
Wikipedia →Gobles is a city in Van Buren County of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, Gobles had a population of 851. It was originally called Gobleville, after its founders, the Goble family.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gobles's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Van Buren
Frequently asked questions
Is Gobles, MI tap water safe to drink?
Gobles's water quality earned a grade of A (90.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #114 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Gobles's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Gobles'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 Gobles?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gobles's water come from?
Gobles's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 725 residents.
Is Gobles's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gobles 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 4 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 Gobles's water compare to other cities?
Gobles ranks #114 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 78% of state cities) and #2383 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gobles's small water system affect quality?
Gobles's system serves approximately 725 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 4 violations on record.