Is Manhattan, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.1/100
waterverge.com Manhattan, MI — Water Quality Report
Manhattan's drinking water received a grade of B (79.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,916 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 32 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Manhattan's water
Manhattan ranks #371 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Manhattan purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Manhattan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Manhattan, MI water safe to drink?
Manhattan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,916 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Manhattan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Manhattan's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
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 Manhattan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Manhattan's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 9 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. Local water sources include River Rouge, Upper River Rouge, Johnson Creek, Middle River Rouge.
Where does Manhattan's water come from?
Manhattan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,916 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include River Rouge (river), Upper River Rouge (river), Johnson Creek (river), Middle River Rouge (river).
What Manhattan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Manhattan'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.
Manhattan'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
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.
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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Manhattan compares by contaminant
Explore where Manhattan ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Manhattan's water comes from
Manhattan purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Manhattan's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,916 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Manhattan
Manhattan is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Manhattan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLONIAL GARDENS MOBILE HOME CT | KS2016118 | 1,200 | GWP |
| RIVERCHASE MOBILE HOME PARK | KS2016119 | 460 | GW |
| NEIGHBORS OF WALNUT GROVE, LLC | KS2014923 | 256 | GW |
How Manhattan compares
Full Michigan rankings →Manhattan's score of 79.1/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Manhattan, MI
Wikipedia →Farmington Hills is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. A northwestern suburb of Detroit, Farmington Hills is located roughly 22 miles (35.4 km) from downtown Detroit. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 83,986, making it the second-largest community in Oakland County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Manhattan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Riley
Frequently asked questions
Is Manhattan, MI tap water safe to drink?
Manhattan's water quality earned a grade of B (79.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #371 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Manhattan's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Manhattan'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 Manhattan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Manhattan's water come from?
Manhattan's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,916 residents.
What health violations has Manhattan's water system had?
Manhattan has 3 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. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Manhattan's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Manhattan 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 32 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 Manhattan's water compare to other cities?
Manhattan ranks #371 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 29% of state cities) and #8384 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.