Is South Rockwood, 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 ↓
90.5/100
waterverge.com South Rockwood, MI — Water Quality Report
South Rockwood's drinking water received a grade of A (90.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,587 residents using purchased surface water.
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 4 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about South Rockwood's water
South Rockwood ranks #105 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it above average 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, South Rockwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Rockwood, MI water safe to drink?
South Rockwood's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,587 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for South Rockwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Rockwood's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for South Rockwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
South Rockwood's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Monroe 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 Frank And Poet Drain.
Where does South Rockwood's water come from?
South Rockwood's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,587 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Frank And Poet Drain (river).
What South Rockwood 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.
South Rockwood'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of South Rockwood
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near South Rockwood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GUARDIAN INDUSTRIES - CARLETON CARLETON, MI48117 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
FLAT ROCK METAL INC. FLAT ROCK, MI48134 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
FLAT ROCK ASSEMBLY PLANT FLAT ROCK, MI48134 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
TAILOR WELDED BLANKS MONROE, MI48162 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
SPARTAN STEEL COATING MONROE, MI48162 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of South Rockwood
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.
- DSC MCLOUTH STEEL GIBRALTAR PLANT4.7 mi
- MCLOUTH STEEL CORP8.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Monroe 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how South Rockwood compares by contaminant
Explore where South Rockwood ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Rockwood's water comes from
South Rockwood'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 1,587 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near South Rockwood
South Rockwood 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 South Rockwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH ROCKWOOD | MI0006130 | 1,587 | SWP |
How South Rockwood compares
Full Michigan rankings →South Rockwood's score of 90.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About South Rockwood, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Rockwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Monroe
Frequently asked questions
Is South Rockwood, MI tap water safe to drink?
South Rockwood's water quality earned a grade of A (90.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #105 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in South Rockwood's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is South Rockwood'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 South Rockwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does South Rockwood's water come from?
South Rockwood's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,587 residents.
What health violations has South Rockwood's water system had?
South Rockwood has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2003. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does South Rockwood's water compare to other cities?
South Rockwood ranks #105 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 80% of state cities) and #2197 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does South Rockwood's small water system affect quality?
South Rockwood's system serves approximately 1,587 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 4 violations on record.