B72/100
Kalamazoo Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 192,992 residents · Michigan
What's In Kalamazoo's Tap Water?
73
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
1,4-dioxane | 0.400 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2019.
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
KALAMAZOO
Population Served
192,992
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MI0003520
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalamazoo Water
Is Kalamazoo tap water safe to drink?
Kalamazoo, Michigan tap water receives a grade of B (72/100), which is considered good. Out of 73 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 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 Kalamazoo's water?
Of the 73 contaminants tested in Kalamazoo's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), 1,4-dioxane. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Kalamazoo have any water quality violations?
Yes, Kalamazoo has 6 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2019. Violation types include TT, MR. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Kalamazoo's tap water come from?
Kalamazoo's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by KALAMAZOO. The system serves approximately 192,992 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Kalamazoo'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. Kalamazoo'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 Kalamazoo's water compare to other cities in Michigan?
Kalamazoo's water quality score of 72/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Michigan state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Kalamazoo's water quality?
If you have concerns about Kalamazoo'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 (KALAMAZOO) 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.