Is Ruskin, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 69 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Ruskin, MI — Water Quality Report
Ruskin's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 17 water systems serve approximately 3,988 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 533 violations on record, including 70 health-based violations. 69 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ruskin's water
Ruskin ranks #489 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Ruskin 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.
The system has seen 62 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ruskin, MI water safe to drink?
Ruskin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 17 water systems serve approximately 3,988 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ruskin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ruskin's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4834). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3622). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ruskin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ruskin's water system has 533 total violations on record, including 70 health-based violations. 69 remain unresolved. 62 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hillsborough County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. 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 Gamble Creek, Frog Creek, South Fork Little Manatee River, Little Manatee River, Bullfrog Creek.
Where does Ruskin's water come from?
Ruskin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 17 water systems serving approximately 3,988 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Gamble Creek (river), Frog Creek (river), South Fork Little Manatee River (river), Little Manatee River (river), Bullfrog Creek (river).
What Ruskin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ruskin'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.
Ruskin'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHillsborough County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Hillsborough County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ruskin compares by contaminant
Explore where Ruskin ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ruskin's water comes from
Ruskin'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,988 people through 17 water systems.
Water bodies near Ruskin
Ruskin is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ruskin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIVERSIDE GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY LLC | FL6291597 | 1,530 | GW |
| RIVER VISTA RV VILLAGE | FL6295523 | 684 | GW |
| CHULAVISTA LANDINGS | FL6290298 | 380 | GW |
| HAWAIIAN ISLES MHP | FL6290741 | 250 | GW |
| NEPTUNE VILLAGE MHP | FL6291252 | 244 | GW |
| BEDROCK LITTLE MANATEE | FL6291087 | 140 | GW |
| TAMPA SOUTH RV RESORT CAMPGROUND | FL6291960 | 120 | GW |
| MANATEE RV RUSKIN LLC | FL6294775 | 100 | GW |
| TAMPA SUN ESTATES #5 | FL6291037 | 87 | GW |
| SUNLAKE RV RESORT | FL6295072 | 75 | GW |
| PARK VILLAGE MHP | FL6295453 | 72 | GW |
| SHARK TAIL DBA PINE HAVEN MH COMMUNITY | FL6295184 | 71 | GW |
| SUNPOINT MOBILE HOME PARK | FL6296175 | 68 | GW |
| RUSKIN MOBILE HOME PARK | FL6296291 | 49 | GW |
| RIVERSIDE MHP | FL6291521 | 40 | GW |
| RIVIERA MHP | FL6291524 | 39 | GW |
| CRYSTAL KAY MOBILE HOME PARK | FL6292787 | 39 | GW |
How Ruskin compares
Full Michigan rankings →Ruskin's score of 50/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Ruskin, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ruskin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hillsborough
Frequently asked questions
Is Ruskin, MI tap water safe to drink?
Ruskin's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #489 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Ruskin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 533 violations are on record.
How is Ruskin'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 Ruskin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ruskin's water come from?
Ruskin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 17 water systems serving approximately 3,988 residents.
What health violations has Ruskin's water system had?
Ruskin has 70 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 69 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ruskin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ruskin 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 533 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 Ruskin's water compare to other cities?
Ruskin ranks #489 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 6% of state cities) and #13077 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.