B67/100
Portage Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 46,292 residents · Michigan
What's In Portage's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
3
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 708.15 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
manganese | 325.17 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 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
PORTAGE
Population Served
46,292
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MI0005520
Frequently Asked Questions About Portage Water
Is Portage tap water safe to drink?
Portage, Michigan tap water receives a grade of B (67/100), which is considered good. Out of 66 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 3 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 Portage's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Portage's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate, manganese. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Portage have any water quality violations?
Yes, Portage has 24 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2019. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Portage?
Portage 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. 3 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Portage's tap water come from?
Portage's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by PORTAGE. The system serves approximately 46,292 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Portage'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. Portage'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 Portage's water compare to other cities in Michigan?
Portage's water quality score of 67/100 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 Portage's water quality?
If you have concerns about Portage'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 (PORTAGE) 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.