Is Watervliet, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.6/100
waterverge.com Watervliet, MI — Water Quality Report
Watervliet's drinking water received a grade of B (79.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,735 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 44 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Watervliet's water
Watervliet ranks #359 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Watervliet 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, Watervliet may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Watervliet, MI water safe to drink?
Watervliet's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,735 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Watervliet
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Watervliet's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Watervliet's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Watervliet's water system has 44 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 25 violations were 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 Paw Paw River.
Where does Watervliet's water come from?
Watervliet's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,735 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Paw Paw River (river).
What Watervliet residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Watervliet'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.
Watervliet'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 Watervliet
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Watervliet, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JVIS MANUFACTURING LLC BENTON HARBOR, MI49022 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
ALUDYNE LLC BENTON HARBOR, MI49022 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.8 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Watervliet compares by contaminant
Explore where Watervliet ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Watervliet's water comes from
Watervliet'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 2,735 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Watervliet
Watervliet is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Watervliet
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WATERVLIET | MI0006930 | 2,735 | GW |
How Watervliet compares
Full Michigan rankings →Watervliet's score of 79.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Watervliet, MI
Wikipedia →Watervliet is a city in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. Located in the northeastern part of the county, the population was 1,669 at the 2020 census. Mostly a rural farming community. The city is surrounded by Watervliet Charter Township but is administered autonomously. “Watervliet” means “flowing water” in Dutch, coming from “water” and “vliet” "Vliet" is a Dutch word for a minor streaming water, though it may refer to a city canal or a river that connects such flows.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Watervliet's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berrien
Frequently asked questions
Is Watervliet, MI tap water safe to drink?
Watervliet's water quality earned a grade of B (79.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #359 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Watervliet's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 44 violations are on record.
How is Watervliet'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 Watervliet?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Watervliet's water come from?
Watervliet's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,735 residents.
What health violations has Watervliet's water system had?
Watervliet has 2 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Watervliet's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Watervliet 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 44 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 Watervliet's water compare to other cities?
Watervliet ranks #359 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 31% of state cities) and #8191 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Watervliet's small water system affect quality?
Watervliet's system serves approximately 2,735 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 44 violations on record.