Is Hartford, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83.2/100
waterverge.com Hartford, MI — Water Quality Report
Hartford's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,729 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 22 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hartford's water
Hartford ranks #300 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hartford 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, Hartford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hartford, MI water safe to drink?
Hartford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,729 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hartford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hartford's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Hartford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Hartford's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 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 South Branch Black River.
Where does Hartford's water come from?
Hartford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,729 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Branch Black River (river).
What Hartford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hartford'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.
Hartford'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 Hartford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hartford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRO FARM MICHIGAN MANUFACTURING BANGOR, MI49013 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
MICHIGAN PAVING & MATERIALS - PAW PAW (KLETT) ASPHALT PLAN PAW PAW, MI49079 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hartford'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 89.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 89.000 mg/L (2010)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Hartford compares by contaminant
Explore where Hartford ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hartford's water comes from
Hartford'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 2,729 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hartford
Hartford is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hartford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARTFORD | MI0003070 | 2,688 | GW |
| RUSH LAKE MHP/CAMPGROUND | MI0040495 | 41 | GW |
How Hartford compares
Full Michigan rankings →Hartford's score of 83.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Hartford, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hartford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Van Buren
Frequently asked questions
Is Hartford, MI tap water safe to drink?
Hartford's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #300 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Hartford's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Hartford'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 Hartford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hartford's water come from?
Hartford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,729 residents.
What health violations has Hartford's water system had?
Hartford has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hartford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hartford 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 22 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 Hartford's water compare to other cities?
Hartford ranks #300 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 42% of state cities) and #6548 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.