Is Otisville, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52.6/100
waterverge.com Otisville, MI — Water Quality Report
Otisville's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 864 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 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 88 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Otisville's water
Otisville ranks #486 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Otisville 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, Otisville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 36 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Otisville, MI water safe to drink?
Otisville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 864 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Otisville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Otisville's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52.6/100).
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Otisville'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
Otisville's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 36 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, Kearsley Creek.
Where does Otisville's water come from?
Otisville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 864 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Flint River (river), Kearsley Creek (river).
What Otisville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Otisville'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.
Otisville'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 Otisville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Otisville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MPLX TERMINALS LLC - FLINT MI TERMINAL MOUNT MORRIS, MI48458 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Otisville
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.
- FOREST WASTE PRODUCTS2.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Otisville'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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 7.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Otisville compares by contaminant
Explore where Otisville ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Otisville's water comes from
Otisville'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 864 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Otisville
Otisville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Otisville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTISVILLE, VILLAGE OF | MI0005050 | 864 | GW |
How Otisville compares
Full Michigan rankings →Otisville's score of 52.6/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Otisville, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Otisville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Genesee
Frequently asked questions
Is Otisville, MI tap water safe to drink?
Otisville's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #486 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Otisville's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Otisville'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 Otisville?
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 Otisville's water come from?
Otisville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 864 residents.
What health violations has Otisville's water system had?
Otisville has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Otisville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Otisville 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 88 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 Otisville's water compare to other cities?
Otisville ranks #486 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 7% of state cities) and #12753 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Otisville's small water system affect quality?
Otisville's system serves approximately 864 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 88 violations on record.