Is Mendon, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.1/100
waterverge.com Mendon, MI — Water Quality Report
Mendon's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 920 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 19 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mendon's water
Mendon ranks #330 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Mendon 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, Mendon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mendon, MI water safe to drink?
Mendon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 920 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mendon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mendon's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.1/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mendon'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
Mendon's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Mendon's water come from?
Mendon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 920 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bear Creek (river), Little Portage (river), Prairie River (river), Spring Creek (river).
What Mendon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mendon'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.
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 Mendon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mendon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KADANT JOHNSON INC THREE RIVERS, MI49093 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
KEPCO INC VICKSBURG, MI49097 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mendon'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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mendon compares by contaminant
Explore where Mendon ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mendon's water comes from
Mendon'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 920 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mendon
Mendon is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mendon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MENDON | MI0004240 | 920 | GW |
How Mendon compares
Full Michigan rankings →Mendon's score of 82.1/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Mendon, MI
Wikipedia →Mendon is a village in St. Joseph County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The village is located within Mendon Township.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mendon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Joseph
Frequently asked questions
Is Mendon, MI tap water safe to drink?
Mendon's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #330 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Mendon's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Mendon'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 Mendon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mendon's water come from?
Mendon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 920 residents.
What health violations has Mendon's water system had?
Mendon has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mendon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mendon 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 19 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 Mendon's water compare to other cities?
Mendon ranks #330 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 37% of state cities) and #7176 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mendon's small water system affect quality?
Mendon's system serves approximately 920 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 19 violations on record.