Is White Pigeon, 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 ↓
88.4/100
White Pigeon, MI — Water Quality Report
White Pigeon's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,640 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about White Pigeon's water
White Pigeon ranks #157 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
White Pigeon 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, White Pigeon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is White Pigeon, MI water safe to drink?
White Pigeon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,640 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for White Pigeon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into White Pigeon's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for White Pigeon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
White Pigeon's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does White Pigeon's water come from?
White Pigeon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,640 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Portage River (river), St. Joseph River (river), Mill Creek (river), Pigeon River (river).
What White Pigeon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in White Pigeon'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 White Pigeon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near White Pigeon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 24,508 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MIDDLEBURY CHEESE CO MIDDLEBURY, IN46540 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 24,508 | 8.3 mi |
OX ENGINEERED PRODUCTS INC CONSTANTINE, MI49042 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
MICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOC CONSTANTINE, MI49042 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
METAL TECHNOLOGIES INC THREE RIVERS GRAY IRON THREE RIVERS, MI49093 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
AQUATIC CO THREE RIVERS, MI49093 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how White Pigeon compares by contaminant
Explore where White Pigeon ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where White Pigeon's water comes from
White Pigeon'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 1,640 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near White Pigeon
White Pigeon is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving White Pigeon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITE PIGEON | MI0007070 | 1,640 | GW |
How White Pigeon compares
Full Michigan rankings →White Pigeon's score of 88.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About White Pigeon, MI
Wikipedia →White Pigeon is a village in St. Joseph County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,718 at the 2020 census. The village is located within White Pigeon Township. Its also located along Michigan's border with Indiana.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to White Pigeon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Joseph
Frequently asked questions
Is White Pigeon, MI tap water safe to drink?
White Pigeon's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #157 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in White Pigeon's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is White Pigeon'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 White Pigeon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does White Pigeon's water come from?
White Pigeon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,640 residents.
What health violations has White Pigeon's water system had?
White Pigeon has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is White Pigeon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
White Pigeon 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 White Pigeon's water compare to other cities?
White Pigeon ranks #157 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 70% of state cities) and #3469 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does White Pigeon's small water system affect quality?
White Pigeon's system serves approximately 1,640 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 10 violations on record.