Is Whitmore Lake, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 29 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Whitmore Lake, MI — Water Quality Report
Whitmore Lake's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,683 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 73 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Whitmore Lake's water
Whitmore Lake ranks #498 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Whitmore Lake 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, Whitmore Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 24 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Whitmore Lake, MI water safe to drink?
Whitmore Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,683 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Whitmore Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Whitmore Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Whitmore Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Whitmore Lake's water system has 73 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 24 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Livingston County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Huron River, Allen Creek.
Where does Whitmore Lake's water come from?
Whitmore Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 1,683 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Huron River (river), Allen Creek (river).
What Whitmore Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Whitmore Lake'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.
Whitmore Lake'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 Whitmore Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Whitmore Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 340 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MICHIGAN SEAMLESS TUBE LLC SOUTH LYON, MI48178 | Manganese | 340 | 5.5 mi |
U.S. EPA NATIONAL VEHICLE & FUEL EMISSIONS LABORATORY ANN ARBOR, MI48105 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
WYMAN-GORDON CO BRIGHTON, MI48116 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
COR-MET INC. BRIGHTON, MI48116 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
SUPERIOR MATERIALS 103 BRIGHTON, MI48116 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Whitmore Lake
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- RASMUSSEN S DUMP2.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Livingston County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Whitmore Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Whitmore Lake ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Whitmore Lake's water comes from
Whitmore Lake'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 state ownership and serves approximately 1,683 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Whitmore Lake
Whitmore Lake is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Whitmore Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOODLAND CENTER CORRECTIONAL FACILITY | MI0006820 | 607 | GW |
| WESTBROOK APARTMENTS | MI0007035 | 330 | GW |
| HARBOR COVE APARTMENTS | MI0003001 | 288 | GW |
| VILLAGE AT EAGLE GARDENS | MI0007099 | 193 | GW |
| REGENCY AT WHITMORE LAKE | MI0067101 | 190 | GW |
| HARTWICK PINES ESTATES | MI0040620 | 75 | GW |
How Whitmore Lake compares
Full Michigan rankings →Whitmore Lake's score of 47/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Whitmore Lake, MI
Wikipedia →Whitmore Lake is a census-designated place (CDP) and unincorporated community in the U.S. state of Michigan. The community spans the boundary between Green Oak Township in Livingston County and Northfield Township in Washtenaw County. The population of the CDP was 7,584 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Whitmore Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Livingston
Frequently asked questions
Is Whitmore Lake, MI tap water safe to drink?
Whitmore Lake's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #498 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Whitmore Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 73 violations are on record.
How is Whitmore Lake'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 Whitmore Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Whitmore Lake's water come from?
Whitmore Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 1,683 residents.
What health violations has Whitmore Lake's water system had?
Whitmore Lake has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
Is Whitmore Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Whitmore Lake 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 73 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 Whitmore Lake's water compare to other cities?
Whitmore Lake ranks #498 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 4% of state cities) and #13761 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.