A90/100
Ferndale Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 22,105 residents · Michigan
What's In Ferndale's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.009 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2020.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
FERNDALE
Population Served
22,105
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0002280
Frequently Asked Questions About Ferndale Water
Is Ferndale tap water safe to drink?
Ferndale, Michigan tap water receives a grade of A (90/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Ferndale's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Ferndale's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Ferndale have any water quality violations?
Yes, Ferndale has 3 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include TT, MR. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Ferndale?
Ferndale water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Ferndale's tap water come from?
Ferndale's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by FERNDALE. The system serves approximately 22,105 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Ferndale's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Ferndale's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Ferndale's water compare to other cities in Michigan?
Ferndale's water quality score of 90/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Ferndale among the better-performing water systems in Michigan. Visit our Michigan state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Ferndale's water quality?
If you have concerns about Ferndale's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (FERNDALE) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.