Is Reese, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Reese ranks. What to do next ↓
96/100
Reese, MI — Water Quality Report
Reese's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,024 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Reese's water
Reese ranks #10 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
As a small community water system, Reese may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Reese has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Reese, MI water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Reese's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,024 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Reese
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Reese's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96/100).
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 Reese's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Flood & environmental risk
Tuscola County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Cass River.
Where does Reese's water come from?
Reese's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,024 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cass River (river).
What Reese 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.
Reese'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 ↓Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Reese
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Reese, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NEXTEER AUTOMOTIVE CORP SAGINAW, MI48601 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
PLASTATECH ENGINEERING LTD SAGINAW, MI48601 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS SAGINAW (SAG) SAGINAW, MI48601 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
STAR OF THE WEST MILLING CO FRANKENMUTH, MI48734 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
ADVANCED MICRONUTRIENT PRODUCTS INC REESE, MI48757 | — | — | 3.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tuscola County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Reese compares by contaminant
Explore where Reese ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Reese's water comes from
Reese'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 3,024 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Reese
Reese is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Reese
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLUMFIELD-REESE WATER AUTH. | MI0000798 | 3,024 | SWP |
How Reese compares
Full Michigan rankings →Reese's score of 96/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Reese, MI
Wikipedia →Reese is a village in Tuscola and Saginaw counties in the U.S. state of Michigan. Located almost entirely in Tuscola County's Denmark Township, the village includes only a tiny portion of Blumfield Township in Saginaw County. As of the 2020 census, Reese had a population of 1,261.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Reese's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saginaw
Frequently asked questions
Is Reese, MI tap water safe to drink?
Reese's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #10 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Reese's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Reese'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 Reese?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Reese's water come from?
Reese's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,024 residents.
How does Reese's water compare to other cities?
Reese ranks #10 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 98% of state cities) and #242 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Reese's small water system affect quality?
Reese's system serves approximately 3,024 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 maintained a clean compliance record.