Is Orchard Lake, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
63.8/100
waterverge.com Orchard Lake, MI — Water Quality Report
Orchard Lake's drinking water received a grade of C (63.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,279 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 29.0 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 19 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Orchard Lake's water
Orchard Lake ranks #463 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
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, Orchard Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Orchard Lake, MI water safe to drink?
Orchard Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,279 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Orchard Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Orchard Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.8/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4195). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Orchard Lake's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Orchard Lake's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Oakland 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.
Where does Orchard Lake's water come from?
Orchard Lake's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,279 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Orchard Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Orchard Lake'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.
Orchard Lake'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
Oakland 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 Orchard Lake'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. | 29.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Orchard Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Orchard Lake ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Orchard Lake's water comes from
Orchard Lake'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 2,279 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Orchard Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE | MI0005031 | 2,194 | SWP |
| VILLA AT GREEN LAKE ESTATES | MI0060792 | 85 | GW |
How Orchard Lake compares
Full Michigan rankings →Orchard Lake's score of 63.8/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Orchard Lake, MI
Wikipedia →Waterford Township is a charter township in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. A northern suburb of Detroit, Waterford is located roughly 30 miles (48.3 km) northwest of downtown Detroit. As of the 2024 census, the township had a population of 70,538.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Orchard Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oakland
Frequently asked questions
Is Orchard Lake, MI tap water safe to drink?
Orchard Lake's water quality earned a grade of C (63.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #463 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Orchard Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 29.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Orchard Lake'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 Orchard Lake?
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 Orchard Lake's water come from?
Orchard Lake's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,279 residents.
What health violations has Orchard Lake's water system had?
Orchard Lake has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Orchard Lake's water compare to other cities?
Orchard Lake ranks #463 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 11% of state cities) and #11719 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.