Is Pleasant Ridge, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.4/100
waterverge.com Pleasant Ridge, MI — Water Quality Report
Pleasant Ridge's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,872 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 7.9 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pleasant Ridge's water
Pleasant Ridge ranks #351 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.
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, Pleasant Ridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pleasant Ridge, MI water safe to drink?
Pleasant Ridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,872 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pleasant Ridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pleasant Ridge's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Pleasant Ridge'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
Pleasant Ridge's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
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. Local water sources include Clinton River, Red Run, Plum Brook, River Rouge.
Where does Pleasant Ridge's water come from?
Pleasant Ridge's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,872 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Clinton River (river), Red Run (river), Plum Brook (river), River Rouge (river).
What Pleasant Ridge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pleasant Ridge'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.
Pleasant Ridge'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 Pleasant Ridge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pleasant Ridge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 28 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DETROIT COATING LLC MADISON HEIGHTS, MI48071 | Zinc compounds | 15 | 5.1 mi |
A.G. SIMPSON (USA) INC. STERLING HEIGHTS, MI48312 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 8 | 7.2 mi |
K C JONES PLATING CO HAZEL PARK, MI48030 | Zinc compounds | 3 | 1.9 mi |
MPT STERLING HEIGHTS STERLING HEIGHTS, MI48312 | Manganese | 2 | 6.8 mi |
VEHMA INTERNATIONAL TROY, MI48083 | Copper | 0 | 5.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Pleasant Ridge'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. | 7.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pleasant Ridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Pleasant Ridge ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pleasant Ridge's water comes from
Pleasant Ridge'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 2,872 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pleasant Ridge
Pleasant Ridge is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Pleasant Ridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLEASANT RIDGE | MI0005390 | 2,872 | SWP |
How Pleasant Ridge compares
Full Michigan rankings →Pleasant Ridge's score of 80.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Pleasant Ridge, MI
Wikipedia →Royal Oak is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. An inner-ring suburb of Detroit, Royal Oak is located roughly 10 miles (16.1 km) north of downtown Detroit. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 58,211.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pleasant Ridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oakland
Frequently asked questions
Is Pleasant Ridge, MI tap water safe to drink?
Pleasant Ridge's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #351 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Pleasant Ridge's water?
Lead was measured at 7.9 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Pleasant Ridge'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 Pleasant Ridge?
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 Pleasant Ridge's water come from?
Pleasant Ridge's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,872 residents.
How does Pleasant Ridge's water compare to other cities?
Pleasant Ridge ranks #351 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 32% of state cities) and #7884 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pleasant Ridge's small water system affect quality?
Pleasant Ridge's system serves approximately 2,872 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 6 violations on record.