Is Potterville, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90/100
waterverge.com Potterville, MI — Water Quality Report
Potterville's drinking water received a grade of A (90 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,617 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Potterville's water
Potterville ranks #118 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Potterville 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, Potterville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Potterville, MI water safe to drink?
Potterville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,617 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Potterville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Potterville's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Potterville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Potterville's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Eaton County has experienced 3 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 Grand River.
Where does Potterville's water come from?
Potterville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,617 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Grand River (river).
What Potterville residents can do
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.
Potterville'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 Potterville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Potterville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 131 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GENERAL MOTORS LANSING DELTA TOWNSHIP LANSING, MI48917 | Zinc compounds | 130 | 6.0 mi |
LANSING BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT-ERICKSON LANSING, MI48917 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 1 | 6.0 mi |
LINN PRODUCTS INC CHARLOTTE, MI48813 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
SPARTAN FIRE CHASSIS LLC CHARLOTTE, MI48813 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
THE SHYFT GROUP INC CHARLOTTE, MI48813 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Potterville
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.
- PARSONS CHEMICAL WORKS INC8.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Eaton County has experienced 3 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Potterville compares by contaminant
Explore where Potterville ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Potterville's water comes from
Potterville'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 2,617 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Potterville
Potterville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Potterville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POTTERVILLE, CITY OF | MI0005550 | 2,617 | GW |
How Potterville compares
Full Michigan rankings →Potterville's score of 90/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Potterville, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Potterville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Eaton
Frequently asked questions
Is Potterville, MI tap water safe to drink?
Potterville's water quality earned a grade of A (90/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #118 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Potterville's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Potterville'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 Potterville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Potterville's water come from?
Potterville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,617 residents.
Is Potterville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Potterville 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 12 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 Potterville's water compare to other cities?
Potterville ranks #118 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 77% of state cities) and #2471 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Potterville's small water system affect quality?
Potterville's system serves approximately 2,617 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 12 violations on record.