Is Ruskin, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94.4/100
waterverge.com Ruskin, MI — Water Quality Report
Ruskin's drinking water received a grade of A (94.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,530 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 35 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Ruskin's water
Ruskin ranks #27 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
As a small community water system, Ruskin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ruskin, MI water safe to drink?
Ruskin's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,530 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: A (94.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4195). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 35 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 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 River Rouge, Upper River Rouge, Middle River Rouge.
Where does Ruskin's water come from?
Ruskin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,530 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include River Rouge (river), Upper River Rouge (river), Middle River Rouge (river).
What Ruskin 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.
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
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.
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 1,530 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ruskin
Ruskin is located near 3 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 |
How Ruskin compares
Full Michigan rankings →Ruskin's score of 94.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Ruskin, MI
Wikipedia →Southfield is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. An inner-ring suburb of Detroit, Southfield lies roughly 15 miles (24.1 km) northwest of downtown Detroit. The city had a population of 76,618 at the 2020 census.
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 A (94.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Ruskin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 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 1 water system serving approximately 1,530 residents.
What health violations has Ruskin's water system had?
Ruskin has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains 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 35 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 #27 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 95% of state cities) and #508 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ruskin's small water system affect quality?
Ruskin's system serves approximately 1,530 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 35 violations on record.