Is Lawton, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.8/100
waterverge.com Lawton, MI — Water Quality Report
Lawton's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,900 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 15 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lawton's water
Lawton ranks #198 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lawton 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, Lawton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lawton, MI water safe to drink?
Lawton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,900 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lawton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lawton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.8/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Lawton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lawton's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 4 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 Rocky River, South Branch Paw Paw River.
Where does Lawton's water come from?
Lawton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,900 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rocky River (river), South Branch Paw Paw River (river).
What Lawton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lawton'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.
Lawton'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 Lawton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lawton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SPECIAL-LITE INC DECATUR, MI49045 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
SIKA MBCC US LLC MATTAWAN, MI49071 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
REFRESCO BEVERAGES US INC PAW PAW, MI49079 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
MICHIGAN PAVING & MATERIALS - PAW PAW (KLETT) ASPHALT PLAN PAW PAW, MI49079 | — | — | 8.2 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.
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 (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Lawton compares by contaminant
Explore where Lawton ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lawton's water comes from
Lawton'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 1,900 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lawton
Lawton is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lawton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAWTON | MI0003830 | 1,900 | GW |
How Lawton compares
Full Michigan rankings →Lawton's score of 86.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Lawton, MI
Wikipedia →Lawton is a city in and the county seat of Comanche County, in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Located in western Oklahoma, approximately 87 mi (140 km) southwest of Oklahoma City, it is the principal city of the Lawton, Oklahoma, metropolitan statistical area. According to the 2020 census, Lawton's population was 90,381, making it the sixth-largest city in the state, and the largest in Western Oklahoma.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lawton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Van Buren
Frequently asked questions
Is Lawton, MI tap water safe to drink?
Lawton's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #198 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Lawton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Lawton'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 Lawton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lawton's water come from?
Lawton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,900 residents.
What health violations has Lawton's water system had?
Lawton has 6 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lawton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lawton 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 15 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 Lawton's water compare to other cities?
Lawton ranks #198 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 62% of state cities) and #4459 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lawton's small water system affect quality?
Lawton's system serves approximately 1,900 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 15 violations on record.