Is Holt, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
59.9/100
waterverge.com Holt, MI — Water Quality Report
Holt's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,169 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 50.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Holt's water
Holt ranks #476 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Holt 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Holt may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Holt, MI water safe to drink?
Holt's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,169 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Holt
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Holt's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Holt's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Holt's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ingham County has experienced 4 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 Grand River, Red Cedar River, Sycamore Creek.
Where does Holt's water come from?
Holt's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,169 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Grand River (river), Red Cedar River (river), Sycamore Creek (river).
What Holt residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Holt'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Holt'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 Holt
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Holt, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 318 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GENERAL MOTORS LANSING DELTA TOWNSHIP LANSING, MI48917 | Zinc compounds | 130 | 8.2 mi |
GMVM-LANSING GRAND RIVER ASSEMBLY LANSING, MI48933 | Zinc compounds | 110 | 5.8 mi |
SUPERIOR BRASS & ALUMINUM CASTING CO EAST LANSING, MI48823 | Copper | 77 | 6.9 mi |
LANSING BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT-ERICKSON LANSING, MI48917 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 1 | 7.5 mi |
HUNTSMAN ADVANCED MATERIALS EAST LANSING, MI48823 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Holt
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.
- ADAM S PLATING7.3 mi
- MOTOR WHEEL INC8.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Ingham County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Holt'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. | 50.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Holt compares by contaminant
Explore where Holt ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Holt's water comes from
Holt'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,169 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Holt
Holt is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Holt
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WINDMILL PARK | MI0040203 | 950 | GW |
| GRAND POINTE SUBDIVISION | MI0002785 | 219 | GW |
How Holt compares
Full Michigan rankings →Holt's score of 59.9/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Holt, MI
Wikipedia →Holt is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Ingham County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The community is located within Delhi Charter Township and occupies the majority of the township. The population was 25,625 at the 2020 census, which is a significant increase from the population of 11,315 from the 2000 census, when the community was significantly smaller.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Holt's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Holt, MI tap water safe to drink?
Holt's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #476 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Holt's water?
Lead was measured at 50.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Holt'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 Holt?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Holt's water come from?
Holt's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,169 residents.
What health violations has Holt's water system had?
Holt has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Holt's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Holt 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 5 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 Holt's water compare to other cities?
Holt ranks #476 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 8% of state cities) and #12134 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.