Is Grass Lake, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.8/100
waterverge.com Grass Lake, MI — Water Quality Report
Grass Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,986 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. 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 Grass Lake's water
Grass Lake ranks #314 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Grass Lake 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Grass Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grass Lake, MI water safe to drink?
Grass Lake's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,986 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Grass Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grass Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.8/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-631). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grass Lake's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Grass Lake's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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 River Raisin.
Where does Grass Lake's water come from?
Grass Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,986 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include River Raisin (river).
What Grass Lake 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.
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 Grass Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grass Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GERDAU SPECIAL STEEL NA JACKSON, MI49203 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 1 | 8.9 mi |
ELM PLATING CO. JACKSON, MI49203 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
MILSCO MICHIGAN SEAT CO JACKSON, MI49203 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
CERTAINTEED JACKSON, MI49203 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
MICHIGAN PAVING & MATERIALS CO - JACKSON JACKSON, MI49202 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Jackson County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1980. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Grass Lake'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. | 12.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 12.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Grass Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Grass Lake ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grass Lake's water comes from
Grass Lake'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 1,986 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Grass Lake
Grass Lake is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Grass Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRASS LAKE | MI0002830 | 1,986 | GW |
How Grass Lake compares
Full Michigan rankings →Grass Lake's score of 82.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Grass Lake, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grass Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Grass Lake, MI tap water safe to drink?
Grass Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #314 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Grass Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Grass Lake'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 Grass Lake?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grass Lake's water come from?
Grass Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,986 residents.
Is Grass Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Grass Lake 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 Grass Lake's water compare to other cities?
Grass Lake ranks #314 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 40% of state cities) and #6764 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Grass Lake's small water system affect quality?
Grass Lake's system serves approximately 1,986 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.