Is Yale, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.3/100
waterverge.com Yale, MI — Water Quality Report
Yale's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,981 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 44 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Yale's water
Yale ranks #422 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Yale 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Yale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Yale, MI water safe to drink?
Yale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,981 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Yale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Yale's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Nitrate, Combined Uranium.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Yale's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Yale's water system has 44 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Yale's water come from?
Yale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,981 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mill Creek (river).
What Yale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Yale'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.
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 Yale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Yale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DTE ELECTRIC CO - GREENWOOD ENERGY CENTER AVOCA, MI48006 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Yale's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Yale compares by contaminant
Explore where Yale ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Yale's water comes from
Yale'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 1,981 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Yale
Yale is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Yale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| YALE, CITY OF | MI0007230 | 1,900 | GW |
| DUNRENTIN HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION | MI0001905 | 81 | GW |
How Yale compares
Full Michigan rankings →Yale's score of 73.3/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Yale, MI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Yale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Clair
Frequently asked questions
Is Yale, MI tap water safe to drink?
Yale's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #422 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Yale's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 44 violations are on record.
How is Yale'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 Yale?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Yale's water come from?
Yale's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,981 residents.
What health violations has Yale's water system had?
Yale has 4 health-based violations 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. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Yale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Yale 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 44 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 Yale's water compare to other cities?
Yale ranks #422 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 19% of state cities) and #10105 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.