Is Three Oaks, 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 ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com Three Oaks, MI — Water Quality Report
Three Oaks's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,622 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.8 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 9 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Three Oaks's water
Three Oaks ranks #226 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Three Oaks 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Three Oaks may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Three Oaks, MI water safe to drink?
Three Oaks's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,622 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Three Oaks
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Three Oaks's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-654). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Three Oaks's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Three Oaks's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Berrien County has experienced 6 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 Galien River.
Where does Three Oaks's water come from?
Three Oaks's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,622 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Galien River (river).
What Three Oaks residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Three Oaks'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.
Three Oaks'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
Berrien County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Three Oaks'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. | 7.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 7.8 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Three Oaks compares by contaminant
Explore where Three Oaks ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Three Oaks's water comes from
Three Oaks'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 1,622 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Three Oaks
Three Oaks is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Three Oaks
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| THREE OAKS | MI0006600 | 1,622 | GW |
How Three Oaks compares
Full Michigan rankings →Three Oaks's score of 85.7/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Three Oaks, MI
Wikipedia →Three Oaks is a village in Three Oaks Township, Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,370 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Three Oaks's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berrien
Frequently asked questions
Is Three Oaks, MI tap water safe to drink?
Three Oaks's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #226 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Three Oaks's water?
Lead was measured at 7.8 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Three Oaks'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 Three Oaks?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Three Oaks's water come from?
Three Oaks's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,622 residents.
What health violations has Three Oaks's water system had?
Three Oaks has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Three Oaks's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Three Oaks 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 9 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 Three Oaks's water compare to other cities?
Three Oaks ranks #226 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 57% of state cities) and #5168 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Three Oaks's small water system affect quality?
Three Oaks's system serves approximately 1,622 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 9 violations on record.