Is Sebring, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
64.3/100
waterverge.com Sebring, MI — Water Quality Report
Sebring's drinking water received a grade of C (64.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.8 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 48 violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sebring's water
Sebring ranks #462 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Sebring 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, Sebring may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sebring, MI water safe to drink?
Sebring's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sebring
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sebring's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4195). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sebring's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Sebring's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Sebring's water come from?
Sebring's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 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 Sebring residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sebring'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.
Sebring'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sebring's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 3.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 3.86 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.860 mg/L (1999)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Sebring compares by contaminant
Explore where Sebring ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sebring's water comes from
Sebring'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 2,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sebring
Sebring is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sebring
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUTTONWOOD BAY MHP | FL6284075 | 2,000 | GW |
How Sebring compares
Full Michigan rankings →Sebring's score of 64.3/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Sebring, 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 Sebring's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Highlands
Frequently asked questions
Is Sebring, MI tap water safe to drink?
Sebring's water quality earned a grade of C (64.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #462 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Sebring's water?
Lead was measured at 3.8 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Sebring'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 Sebring?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sebring's water come from?
Sebring's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 residents.
What health violations has Sebring's water system had?
Sebring has 33 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sebring's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sebring 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 48 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 Sebring's water compare to other cities?
Sebring ranks #462 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 11% of state cities) and #11664 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sebring's small water system affect quality?
Sebring's system serves approximately 2,000 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 48 violations on record.