Is Metamora, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.4/100
waterverge.com Metamora, MI — Water Quality Report
Metamora's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 565 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Metamora's water
Metamora ranks #188 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Metamora 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Metamora may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Metamora, MI water safe to drink?
Metamora's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 565 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Metamora
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Metamora's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Metamora's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Metamora's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lapeer 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 Farmers Creek.
Where does Metamora's water come from?
Metamora's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 565 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Farmers Creek (river).
What Metamora residents can do
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Metamora'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 Metamora
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Metamora, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MSP INDUSTRIES OXFORD, MI48371 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
LAPEER PLATING & PLASTICS INC. LAPEER, MI48446 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
KAMAX LAPEER, MI48446 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
ALBAR INDUSTRIES INC LAPEER, MI48446 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
ROYAL BUILDING PRODUCTS METAMORA, MI48455 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Metamora
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.
- METAMORA LANDFILL0.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Lapeer 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Metamora'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. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 8.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Metamora compares by contaminant
Explore where Metamora ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Metamora's water comes from
Metamora'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 565 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Metamora
Metamora is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Metamora
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| METAMORA, VILLAGE OF | MI0004312 | 565 | GW |
How Metamora compares
Full Michigan rankings →Metamora's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Metamora, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Metamora's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lapeer
Frequently asked questions
Is Metamora, MI tap water safe to drink?
Metamora's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #188 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Metamora's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Metamora'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 Metamora?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Metamora's water come from?
Metamora's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 565 residents.
Is Metamora's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Metamora 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 7 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 Metamora's water compare to other cities?
Metamora ranks #188 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 64% of state cities) and #4107 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Metamora's small water system affect quality?
Metamora's system serves approximately 565 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 7 violations on record.