Is Sylvan Lake, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.2/100
waterverge.com Sylvan Lake, MI — Water Quality Report
Sylvan Lake's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,155 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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sylvan Lake's water
Sylvan Lake ranks #164 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Sylvan Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sylvan Lake, MI water safe to drink?
Sylvan Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,155 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sylvan Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sylvan Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4195). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sylvan Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sylvan Lake's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 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 Clinton River, River Rouge, Upper River Rouge.
Where does Sylvan Lake's water come from?
Sylvan Lake's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,155 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Clinton River (river), River Rouge (river), Upper River Rouge (river).
What Sylvan Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sylvan Lake'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.
Sylvan Lake'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 Sylvan Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sylvan Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GENERAL MOTORS LLC ORION ASSEMBLY CENTER LAKE ORION, MI48359 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
LYMTAL INTERNATIONAL,INC. LAKE ORION, MI48359 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
ORAFOL AUTOMOTIVE GRAPHICS LAKE ORION, MI48359 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
ROYAL OAK MANUFACTURING FACILITY ROYAL OAK, MI48073 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
FLEX-N-GATE ROYAL OAK, MI48073 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Sylvan Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Sylvan Lake ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sylvan Lake's water comes from
Sylvan Lake'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 2,155 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Sylvan Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SYLVAN LAKE | MI0006530 | 2,155 | SWP |
How Sylvan Lake compares
Full Michigan rankings →Sylvan Lake's score of 88.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Sylvan Lake, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sylvan Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oakland
Frequently asked questions
Is Sylvan Lake, MI tap water safe to drink?
Sylvan Lake's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #164 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Sylvan Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Sylvan Lake'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 Sylvan Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sylvan Lake's water come from?
Sylvan Lake's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,155 residents.
How does Sylvan Lake's water compare to other cities?
Sylvan Lake ranks #164 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 68% of state cities) and #3590 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sylvan Lake's small water system affect quality?
Sylvan Lake's system serves approximately 2,155 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 16 violations on record.