Is Michigan Center, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
73.1/100
waterverge.com Michigan Center, MI — Water Quality Report
Michigan Center's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,650 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 19.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Michigan Center's water
Michigan Center ranks #425 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Michigan Center 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Michigan Center may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Michigan Center, MI water safe to drink?
Michigan Center's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,650 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Michigan Center
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Michigan Center's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-631). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Michigan Center's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Michigan Center's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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 Grand River.
Where does Michigan Center's water come from?
Michigan Center's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,650 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Grand River (river).
What Michigan Center residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Michigan Center'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Michigan Center
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Michigan Center, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GERDAU SPECIAL STEEL NA JACKSON, MI49203 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 1 | 3.0 mi |
MPLX TERMINALS LLC - JACKSON MI TERMINAL JACKSON, MI49201 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
TAC MANUFACTURING INC JACKSON, MI49201 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
INDUSTRIAL STEEL TREATING JACKSON, MI49202 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
KELLY FUELS INC JACKSON, MI49203 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Michigan Center
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.
- MICHNER PLATING MECHANIC STREET4.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Jackson County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1980. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Michigan Center'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. | 19.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 19.0 ppb (2025)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Michigan Center compares by contaminant
Explore where Michigan Center ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Michigan Center's water comes from
Michigan Center'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 2,650 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Michigan Center
Michigan Center is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Michigan Center
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEONI TOWNSHIP | MI0003837 | 2,650 | GW |
How Michigan Center compares
Full Michigan rankings →Michigan Center's score of 73.1/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Michigan Center, MI
Wikipedia →Michigan Center is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Jackson County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 4,672 at the 2010 census. The CDP is located within Leoni Township on the eastern border of the city of Jackson.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Michigan Center's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Michigan Center, MI tap water safe to drink?
Michigan Center's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #425 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Michigan Center's water?
Lead was measured at 19.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Michigan Center'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 Michigan Center?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Michigan Center's water come from?
Michigan Center's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,650 residents.
Is Michigan Center's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Michigan Center 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 8 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 Michigan Center's water compare to other cities?
Michigan Center ranks #425 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 18% of state cities) and #10160 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Michigan Center's small water system affect quality?
Michigan Center's system serves approximately 2,650 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 8 violations on record.