TapSafetyReport
A80/100

River Rouge Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 7,224 residents · Michigan

What's In River Rouge's Tap Water?

31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.013 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

8

Violations (last 5yr)

3

Unresolved

1

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2025Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: July 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – October 26, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – October 26, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

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

RIVER ROUGE
Population Served

7,224

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

MI0005690

Frequently Asked Questions About River Rouge Water

Is River Rouge tap water safe to drink?

River Rouge, Michigan tap water receives a grade of A (80/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 31 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 River Rouge's water?

Of the 31 contaminants tested in River Rouge'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 River Rouge have any water quality violations?

Yes, River Rouge has 13 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in River Rouge?

River Rouge 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 River Rouge's tap water come from?

River Rouge's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by RIVER ROUGE. The system serves approximately 7,224 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is River Rouge'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. River Rouge'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 River Rouge's water compare to other cities in Michigan?

River Rouge's water quality score of 80/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places River Rouge 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 River Rouge's water quality?

If you have concerns about River Rouge'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 (RIVER ROUGE) 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.

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