Is Morenci, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Morenci, MI — Water Quality Report
Morenci's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,220 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 13 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Morenci's water
Morenci ranks #161 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Morenci 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, Morenci may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Morenci, MI water safe to drink?
Morenci's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,220 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Morenci
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Morenci's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Morenci's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Morenci's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lenawee County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 S Branch River Raisin, Lime Creek, Bean Creek At Powers.
Where does Morenci's water come from?
Morenci's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,220 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include S Branch River Raisin (river), Lime Creek (river), Bean Creek At Powers (river).
What Morenci residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Morenci'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 Morenci
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Morenci, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SILBOND CORP WESTON, MI49289 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lenawee County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.5 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Morenci compares by contaminant
Explore where Morenci ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Morenci's water comes from
Morenci'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 2,220 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Morenci
Morenci is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Morenci
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MORENCI | MI0004490 | 2,220 | GW |
How Morenci compares
Full Michigan rankings →Morenci's score of 88.3/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Morenci, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Morenci's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lenawee
Frequently asked questions
Is Morenci, MI tap water safe to drink?
Morenci's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #161 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Morenci's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Morenci'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 Morenci?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Morenci's water come from?
Morenci's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,220 residents.
What health violations has Morenci's water system had?
Morenci has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Morenci's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Morenci 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 13 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 Morenci's water compare to other cities?
Morenci ranks #161 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 69% of state cities) and #3522 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Morenci's small water system affect quality?
Morenci's system serves approximately 2,220 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 13 violations on record.