Excellent Water Quality
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper |
1390.0
|
1300 ppb | 300 ppb | Exceeded |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Athens, Michigan (49011) receives an overall grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 94 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 16 points above the Michigan state average of 78. Compared to the national average (75), this area performs significantly better. The area is served by Athens, a groundwater system providing water to approximately 956 people. Testing has found elevated levels of Copper that warrant attention.
A score of 94/100 means the water supply in Athens, MI meets or exceeds all EPA standards with minimal issues. Contaminant levels are well within safe limits, and the water system has maintained a strong compliance record. While no water supply is guaranteed perfect at the tap due to household plumbing, this is among the best-scoring areas in the country.
Health Information
Copper can leach into water from copper plumbing, especially in newer homes or when water is acidic.
Short-term exposure above 1,300 ppb can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure may cause liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are especially vulnerable.
Copper pipes, fittings, and faucets are the most common source. Corrosive (low-pH) water accelerates copper leaching.
If copper levels are elevated, flush pipes by running water for 15–30 seconds before use. Reverse osmosis and distillation systems effectively remove copper.
Common Questions
Based on EPA data, tap water in Athens, Michigan receives a grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 94/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.
ZIP code 49011 is served by 1 water system using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 956 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.
No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 49011. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.
No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Athens, Michigan during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.
Water systems serving Athens, Michigan have received 3 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Based on detected contaminants (copper), residents in Athens, Michigan should consider: Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.
Explore Nearby