Is Westland, 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 ↓
84.3/100
Westland, MI — Water Quality Report
Westland's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,471 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 10 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Westland's water
Westland ranks #271 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Westland 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, Westland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Westland, MI water safe to drink?
Westland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,471 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Westland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Westland's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Westland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Westland's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wayne 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 River Rouge, Upper River Rouge, Johnson Creek, Middle River Rouge, Lower River Rouge.
Where does Westland's water come from?
Westland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,471 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), Johnson Creek (river), Middle River Rouge (river), Lower River Rouge (river).
What Westland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Westland'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.
Westland'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 Westland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Westland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 196 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
REPUBLIC INDUSTRIAL & ENERGY SOLUTIONS LLC ROMULUS, MI48174 | Zinc compounds | 194 | 6.1 mi |
GM - ROMULUS ENGINE OPERATIONS ROMULUS, MI48174 | Copper | 2 | 4.7 mi |
LINAMAR STRUCTURES USA SOUTHFIELD, MI48033 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
L&W INC. BELLEVILLE, MI48111 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
L & W INC. BELLEVILLE, MI48111 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wayne 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Westland compares by contaminant
Explore where Westland ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Westland's water comes from
Westland'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 1,471 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Westland
Westland is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Westland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIDDEN LAKE ESTATES | MI0040386 | 673 | GW |
| COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE | MI0040450 | 490 | GW |
| DEERFIELD PINES MOBILE HOME PARK | MI0040644 | 308 | GW |
How Westland compares
Full Michigan rankings →Westland's score of 84.3/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Westland, MI
Wikipedia →Westland is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. A western suburb of Detroit, Westland is located about 18 miles (29 km) west of downtown Detroit. As of 2022, the city had a population of 84,037.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Westland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oakland
Frequently asked questions
Is Westland, MI tap water safe to drink?
Westland's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #271 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Westland's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Westland'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 Westland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Westland's water come from?
Westland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,471 residents.
What health violations has Westland's water system had?
Westland has 1 health-based violation 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 Westland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Westland 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 10 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 Westland's water compare to other cities?
Westland ranks #271 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 48% of state cities) and #5985 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.