Is Keego Harbor, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46.8/100
waterverge.com Keego Harbor, MI — Water Quality Report
Keego Harbor's drinking water received a grade of D (46.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,286 residents using purchased surface water.
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 80 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Keego Harbor's water
Keego Harbor ranks #500 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Keego Harbor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Keego Harbor, MI water safe to drink?
Keego Harbor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,286 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Keego Harbor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Keego Harbor's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Public Notice, Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4195). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Keego Harbor'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
Keego Harbor's water system has 80 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Oakland 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.
Where does Keego Harbor's water come from?
Keego Harbor's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 3,286 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Keego Harbor residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Keego Harbor'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.
Keego Harbor'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 Keego Harbor
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Keego Harbor, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GENERAL MOTORS LLC ORION ASSEMBLY CENTER LAKE ORION, MI48359 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
LYMTAL INTERNATIONAL,INC. LAKE ORION, MI48359 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
ORAFOL AUTOMOTIVE GRAPHICS LAKE ORION, MI48359 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
ROYAL OAK MANUFACTURING FACILITY ROYAL OAK, MI48073 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
FLEX-N-GATE ROYAL OAK, MI48073 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Oakland 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 Keego Harbor'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. | 1.76 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.761 mg/L (2018)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Keego Harbor compares by contaminant
Explore where Keego Harbor ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Keego Harbor's water comes from
Keego Harbor's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,286 people through 5 water systems.
Water systems serving Keego Harbor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEEGO HARBOR, CITY OF | MI0003595 | 2,733 | SWP |
| THE PENINSULA DEVELOPMENT LLC | MI0005229 | 270 | GW |
| SHANGRAI-LA VILLAGE | MI0040026 | 165 | GW |
| SILVER LAKE MOBILE HOME PARK | MI0040322 | 68 | GW |
| LAKEVIEW CHALET CONDOMINIUMS | MI0005445 | 50 | GW |
How Keego Harbor compares
Full Michigan rankings →Keego Harbor's score of 46.8/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Keego Harbor, MI
Wikipedia →Waterford Township is a charter township in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. A northern suburb of Detroit, Waterford is located roughly 30 miles (48.3 km) northwest of downtown Detroit. As of the 2024 census, the township had a population of 70,538.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Keego Harbor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oakland
Frequently asked questions
Is Keego Harbor, MI tap water safe to drink?
Keego Harbor's water quality earned a grade of D (46.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #500 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Keego Harbor's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 80 violations are on record.
How is Keego Harbor'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 Keego Harbor?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Keego Harbor's water come from?
Keego Harbor's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 3,286 residents.
What health violations has Keego Harbor's water system had?
Keego Harbor has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
How does Keego Harbor's water compare to other cities?
Keego Harbor ranks #500 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 4% of state cities) and #13840 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.