Is Wolverine Lake, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.3/100
waterverge.com Wolverine Lake, MI — Water Quality Report
Wolverine Lake's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,030 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 12 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wolverine Lake's water
Wolverine Lake ranks #190 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Wolverine 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, Wolverine Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wolverine Lake, MI water safe to drink?
Wolverine Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,030 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wolverine Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wolverine Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4757). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4195). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wolverine Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wolverine Lake's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Oakland County has experienced 4 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 Upper River Rouge, Johnson Creek.
Where does Wolverine Lake's water come from?
Wolverine Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,030 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Upper River Rouge (river), Johnson Creek (river).
What Wolverine Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wolverine 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.
Wolverine 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 Wolverine Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wolverine Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRECISION COATINGS INC. WALLED LAKE, MI48390 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
ARMALY SPONGE CO. COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI48390 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
WILLAMS INTERNATIONAL CO LLC WALLED LAKE, MI48390 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
BELANGER, INC. NORTHVILLE, MI48167 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
COSMA BODY ASSEMBLY MICHIGAN NEW HUDSON, MI48165 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Wolverine 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.
- HI MILL MANUFACTURING CO8.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Oakland County has experienced 4 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.5 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Wolverine Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Wolverine Lake ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wolverine Lake's water comes from
Wolverine 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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,030 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Wolverine Lake
Wolverine 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 Wolverine Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAGUNA VISTA SUBDIVISION | MI0003690 | 640 | GW |
| PENNY LAKE ESTATES SUBDIVISION | MI0005235 | 390 | GW |
How Wolverine Lake compares
Full Michigan rankings →Wolverine Lake's score of 87.3/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Wolverine Lake, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wolverine Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oakland
Frequently asked questions
Is Wolverine Lake, MI tap water safe to drink?
Wolverine Lake's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #190 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Wolverine Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Wolverine 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 Wolverine Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wolverine Lake's water come from?
Wolverine Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,030 residents.
What health violations has Wolverine Lake's water system had?
Wolverine Lake has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wolverine Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wolverine 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 12 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 Wolverine Lake's water compare to other cities?
Wolverine Lake ranks #190 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 63% of state cities) and #4153 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.