WaterVerge

Is Schoolcraft, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: MI0005970
Overall Score
89.1 / 100
Violations
6 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#140 of 520 in Michigan Top 19% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.1/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.1/100

Schoolcraft, MI — Water Quality Report

Schoolcraft's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,503 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 20 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Schoolcraft's water

Schoolcraft ranks #140 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Schoolcraft 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, Schoolcraft may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.1 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.1/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Schoolcraft, MI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Schoolcraft's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,503 residents using groundwater (wells).

6
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
2 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Schoolcraft

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Schoolcraft's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-465). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Schoolcraft's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Schoolcraft's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2020 Nitrate Resolved
Jul 2019 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Aug 2018 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Oct 2016 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Kalamazoo County has experienced 2 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 Austin Lake, Rocky River, West Fork Portage Creek.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3225
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-465

Where does Schoolcraft's water come from?

Schoolcraft's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,503 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Austin Lake (lake), Rocky River (river), West Fork Portage Creek (river).

What Schoolcraft residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Schoolcraft's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

20
Total violations
4
Health-based
6
Active / unresolved
Jul 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

20 Total
6 Active
4 Health-based
14 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
10
Consumer Confidence Rule
4
Nitrate Rule
1
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2007 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2020 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2020
Aug 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2018
Mar 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2015
Aug 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2007
Aug 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2007
Jan 2005 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2005
Jul 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2004
Mar 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2004
Jul 2003 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Jul 2003
Jul 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2003
Mar 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2002
Sep 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2001
Mar 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1998
May 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1996
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Schoolcraft

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Schoolcraft, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 583 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
PHARMACIA & UPJOHN CO LLC A SUBSIDIARY OF PFIZER INC
Chemicals · PFIZER INC
PORTAGE, MI49002
Methanol5837.5 mi
FEMA CORP OF MICHIGAN INC
Fabricated Metals · FEMA CORP
PORTAGE, MI49024
4.7 mi
SIKA MBCC US LLC
Chemicals · SIKA CORP
MATTAWAN, MI49071
10.0 mi
KEPCO INC
Hazardous Waste · NA
VICKSBURG, MI49097
4.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Schoolcraft

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

2
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Kalamazoo County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3225
Apr 1975
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #465

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2024)

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Contaminant Rankings

See how Schoolcraft compares by contaminant

Explore where Schoolcraft ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,503
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Schoolcraft's water comes from

Groundwater

Schoolcraft'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 1,503 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Schoolcraft

Schoolcraft is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Austin Lake
lake
Rocky River
river
West Fork Portage Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Schoolcraft

System Name PWSID Population Source
SCHOOLCRAFT MI0005970 1,405 GW
SUN MEADOWS APARTMENTS MI0006465 98 GW
Regional Comparison

How Schoolcraft compares

Full Michigan rankings →

Schoolcraft's score of 89.1/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Schoolcraft (this city)
89.1
Detroit
84.1
Ann Arbor
51.5
Lansing
57.3
Michigan avg
70
City Profile

About Schoolcraft, MI

Wikipedia →

Schoolcraft is a village in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, United States. The village is located in Schoolcraft Township approximately 13 miles (21 km) south of Kalamazoo on U.S. Route 131. As of the 2020 census, Schoolcraft had a population of 1,466. The village is named in honor of geographer, geologist, and ethnologist Henry Schoolcraft. The village is known for the annual Schoolcraft 4th of July celebration, which has been held nearly every year since 1925.

Economic Profile
$82,500
Median Income
$182,412
Median Home Value
$884/mo
Median Rent
1.9%
Unemployment
Community
34.5
Median Age
554
People / sq mi
31%
College Educated
75.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Schoolcraft, MI tap water safe to drink?

Schoolcraft's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #140 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.

What contaminants are in Schoolcraft's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.

How is Schoolcraft'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 Schoolcraft?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Schoolcraft's water come from?

Schoolcraft's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,503 residents.

What health violations has Schoolcraft's water system had?

Schoolcraft has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.

Is Schoolcraft's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Schoolcraft 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 20 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 Schoolcraft's water compare to other cities?

Schoolcraft ranks #140 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 73% of state cities) and #3035 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.