Is Reed City, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.4/100
waterverge.com Reed City, MI — Water Quality Report
Reed City's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,425 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Reed City's water
Reed City ranks #185 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Reed City 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, Reed City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Reed City, MI water safe to drink?
Reed City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,425 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Reed City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Reed City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).
Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4121). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Reed City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Reed City's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Osceola 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.
Where does Reed City's water come from?
Reed City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,425 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Reed City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Reed City'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.
Reed City'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 Reed City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Reed City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GENERAL MILLS REED CITY YOPLAIT PLANT REED CITY, MI49677 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
H & R SCREW MACHINE PRODUCTS INC REED CITY, MI49677 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Osceola 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.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 4.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Reed City compares by contaminant
Explore where Reed City ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Reed City's water comes from
Reed City'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 2,425 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Reed City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| REED CITY, CITY OF | MI0005650 | 2,425 | GW |
How Reed City compares
Full Michigan rankings →Reed City's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Reed City, MI
Wikipedia →Reed City is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,490 at the 2020 census. It is located in southwestern Osceola County and is the county seat.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Reed City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Osceola
Frequently asked questions
Is Reed City, MI tap water safe to drink?
Reed City's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #185 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Reed City's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Reed City'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 Reed City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Reed City's water come from?
Reed City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,425 residents.
Is Reed City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Reed City 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 5 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 Reed City's water compare to other cities?
Reed City ranks #185 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 64% of state cities) and #4071 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Reed City's small water system affect quality?
Reed City's system serves approximately 2,425 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 5 violations on record.