Is Homer, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.2/100
waterverge.com Homer, MI — Water Quality Report
Homer's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,750 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 24 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Homer's water
Homer ranks #432 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Homer 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, Homer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Homer, MI water safe to drink?
Homer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Homer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Homer's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Homer's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Homer's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Calhoun County has experienced 3 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 Conger, Rice Creek.
Where does Homer's water come from?
Homer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Conger (river), Rice Creek (river).
What Homer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Homer'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.
Homer'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 Homer
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Homer, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KNAUF INSULATION INC. ALBION, MI49224 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
THE ANDERSONS MARATHON HOLDINGS LLC - ALBION FACILITY ALBION, MI49224 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
AVIENT COLORANTS USA LLC - ALBION FACILITY ALBION, MI49224 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
CALHOUN FOUNDRY CO INC. HOMER, MI49245 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
BREMBO NA HOMER, MI49245 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Homer
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.
- MCGRAW EDISON CORP8.3 mi
- ALBION SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP LANDFILL8.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Calhoun County has experienced 3 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Homer compares by contaminant
Explore where Homer ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Homer's water comes from
Homer'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 1,750 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Homer
Homer is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Homer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOMER | MI0003220 | 1,668 | GW |
| PHOENIX MOBILE HOME COURT | MI0040086 | 82 | GW |
How Homer compares
Full Michigan rankings →Homer's score of 72.2/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Homer, MI
Wikipedia →Homer is a village in Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,575 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Homer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calhoun
Frequently asked questions
Is Homer, MI tap water safe to drink?
Homer's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #432 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Homer's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Homer'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 Homer?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Homer's water come from?
Homer's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,750 residents.
What health violations has Homer's water system had?
Homer has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Homer's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Homer 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 24 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 Homer's water compare to other cities?
Homer ranks #432 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 17% of state cities) and #10421 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.