Is Lake Odessa, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.8/100
waterverge.com Lake Odessa, MI — Water Quality Report
Lake Odessa'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 2,018 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 11 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Odessa's water
Lake Odessa ranks #312 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lake Odessa 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, Lake Odessa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Odessa, MI water safe to drink?
Lake Odessa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,018 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Odessa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Odessa's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4121). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Odessa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lake Odessa's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ionia County has experienced 5 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 Lake Odessa's water come from?
Lake Odessa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,018 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lake Odessa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake Odessa'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.
Lake Odessa'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 Lake Odessa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake Odessa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARBON GREEN BIOENERGY LAKE ODESSA, MI48849 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
CARGILL KITCHEN SOLUTIONS LAKE ODESSA, MI48849 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Ionia County has experienced 5 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Lake Odessa compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Odessa ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Odessa's water comes from
Lake Odessa'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 2,018 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Lake Odessa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE ODESSA | MI0003730 | 2,018 | GW |
How Lake Odessa compares
Full Michigan rankings →Lake Odessa'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 Lake Odessa, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Odessa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ionia
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Odessa, MI tap water safe to drink?
Lake Odessa'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 #312 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Lake Odessa's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Lake Odessa'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 Lake Odessa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Odessa's water come from?
Lake Odessa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,018 residents.
What health violations has Lake Odessa's water system had?
Lake Odessa has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake Odessa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Odessa 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 11 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 Lake Odessa's water compare to other cities?
Lake Odessa ranks #312 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 40% of state cities) and #6762 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 Lake Odessa's small water system affect quality?
Lake Odessa's system serves approximately 2,018 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 11 violations on record.