WaterVerge

Is Mattawan, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MI0004177
Overall Score
84.6 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#263 of 520 in Michigan Top 37% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
84.6/100
waterverge.com
B+ 84.6/100

Mattawan, MI — Water Quality Report

Mattawan's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,550 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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 17 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Mattawan's water

Mattawan ranks #263 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Mattawan 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, Mattawan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
84.6 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
37.6/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Mattawan, MI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Mattawan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,550 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
2.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Mattawan

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mattawan's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

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 Mattawan's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Mattawan's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

RPTTTOtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jul 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2011 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2011 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

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 South Branch Paw Paw River, West Fork Portage Creek.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3225
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-774
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-631

Where does Mattawan's water come from?

Mattawan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,550 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Branch Paw Paw River (river), West Fork Portage Creek (river).

What Mattawan residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mattawan's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Mattawan'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 15% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

17
Total violations
6
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Oct 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

17 Total
5 Active
6 Health-based
12 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
7
Arsenic Rule
3
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
2
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2006 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2011 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
Jan 2011 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
Nov 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2010
Oct 2007 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Nov 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2006
Jan 2006 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2008
Jan 2006 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2006
Nov 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2005
Jul 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2003
Jul 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2002
Jul 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2002
Sep 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1998
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Mattawan

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mattawan, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
KALSEC INC
Food · NA
KALAMAZOO, MI49006
9.9 mi
CHEMSTATION KALAMAZOO
Chemicals · CHEMSTATION INTERNATIONAL INC
KALAMAZOO, MI49009
8.1 mi
FEMA CORP OF MICHIGAN INC
Fabricated Metals · FEMA CORP
PORTAGE, MI49024
9.8 mi
ALLOY STEEL TREATING CO. INC.
Fabricated Metals · NA
GOBLES, MI49055
9.5 mi
SIKA MBCC US LLC
Chemicals · SIKA CORP
MATTAWAN, MI49071
0.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Mattawan

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3225
Sep 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #774
Sep 1980
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #631
Apr 1975
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #465
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #371

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 2.3 ppb (2024)

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,550
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Mattawan's water comes from

Groundwater

Mattawan'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 2,550 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Mattawan

Mattawan is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

South Branch Paw Paw River
river
West Fork Portage Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Mattawan

System Name PWSID Population Source
MATTAWAN MI0004177 2,550 GW
Regional Comparison

How Mattawan compares

Full Michigan rankings →

Mattawan's score of 84.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Mattawan (this city)
84.6
Detroit
84.1
Ann Arbor
51.5
Lansing
57.3
Michigan avg
70
City Profile

About Mattawan, MI

Economic Profile
$75,317
Median Income
$1,087/mo
Median Rent
7.6%
Unemployment
Community
35.8
Median Age
260
People / sq mi
20.6%
College Educated
74%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Mattawan, MI tap water safe to drink?

Mattawan's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #263 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.

What contaminants are in Mattawan's water?

Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.

How is Mattawan'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 Mattawan?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Mattawan's water come from?

Mattawan's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,550 residents.

What health violations has Mattawan's water system had?

Mattawan has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

Is Mattawan's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Mattawan 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 17 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 Mattawan's water compare to other cities?

Mattawan ranks #263 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 49% of state cities) and #5779 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Mattawan's small water system affect quality?

Mattawan's system serves approximately 2,550 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 17 violations on record.