Is Montrose, 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 ↓
84.1/100
waterverge.com Montrose, MI — Water Quality Report
Montrose's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,657 residents using purchased surface water.
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 23 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Montrose's water
Montrose ranks #278 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Montrose may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Montrose, MI water safe to drink?
Montrose's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,657 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Montrose
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Montrose's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Montrose's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Montrose's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Genesee County has experienced 5 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 Flint River.
Where does Montrose's water come from?
Montrose's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,657 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Flint River (river).
What Montrose residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Montrose'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.
Montrose'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
Genesee County has experienced 5 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Montrose compares by contaminant
Explore where Montrose ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Montrose's water comes from
Montrose's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,657 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Montrose
Montrose is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Montrose
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTROSE, CITY OF | MI0004480 | 1,657 | SWP |
How Montrose compares
Full Michigan rankings →Montrose's score of 84.1/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Montrose, MI
Wikipedia →Montrose is a city in Genesee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,743 at the 2020 census. Once part of the surrounding Montrose Township, the city itself incorporated in 1980, and both are now administered autonomously. It is part of the Flint metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Montrose's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Genesee
Frequently asked questions
Is Montrose, MI tap water safe to drink?
Montrose's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #278 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Montrose's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Montrose'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 Montrose?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Montrose's water come from?
Montrose's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,657 residents.
How does Montrose's water compare to other cities?
Montrose ranks #278 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 47% of state cities) and #6092 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Montrose's small water system affect quality?
Montrose's system serves approximately 1,657 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 23 violations on record.