Is Westphalia, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.4/100
waterverge.com Westphalia, MI — Water Quality Report
Westphalia's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 925 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Westphalia's water
Westphalia ranks #187 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Westphalia 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, Westphalia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Westphalia, MI water safe to drink?
Westphalia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 925 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Westphalia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Westphalia's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-774). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Westphalia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Westphalia's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clinton County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Grand River, Looking Glass River.
Where does Westphalia's water come from?
Westphalia's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 925 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Grand River (river), Looking Glass River (river).
What Westphalia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Westphalia'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.
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 Westphalia
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Westphalia, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ADM ANIMAL NUTRITION PORTLAND, MI48875 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
THK RHYTHM AUTOMOTIVE PORTLAND, MI48875 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Clinton County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.0 ppb (2023)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Westphalia compares by contaminant
Explore where Westphalia ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Westphalia's water comes from
Westphalia'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 925 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Westphalia
Westphalia is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Westphalia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WESTPHALIA, VILLAGE OF | MI0007050 | 925 | GW |
How Westphalia compares
Full Michigan rankings →Westphalia's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Westphalia, MI
Wikipedia →Westphalia is a village in Clinton County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 924 at the time of the 2020 census. The village is in Westphalia Township, about 25 miles (40.2 km) northwest of Lansing and 55 miles (88.5 km) east of Grand Rapids. The village is known for its German and Catholic roots.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Westphalia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clinton
Frequently asked questions
Is Westphalia, MI tap water safe to drink?
Westphalia's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #187 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Westphalia's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Westphalia'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 Westphalia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Westphalia's water come from?
Westphalia's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 925 residents.
Is Westphalia's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Westphalia 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 6 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 Westphalia's water compare to other cities?
Westphalia ranks #187 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 64% of state cities) and #4091 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Westphalia's small water system affect quality?
Westphalia's system serves approximately 925 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 6 violations on record.