A91/100
Royal Oak Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 60,108 residents · Michigan
What's In Royal Oak'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) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – September 20, 2021Enforcement: 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
PLEASANT RIDGE
Population Served
2,872
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0005390
ROYAL OAK, CITY OF
Population Served
57,236
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0005830
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Oak Water
Is Royal Oak tap water safe to drink?
Royal Oak, Michigan tap water receives a grade of A (91/100), 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 Royal Oak's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Royal Oak'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 Royal Oak have any water quality violations?
Yes, Royal Oak has 11 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include Other, MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Royal Oak?
Royal Oak 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 Royal Oak's tap water come from?
Royal Oak's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by PLEASANT RIDGE and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 60,108 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Royal Oak'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. Royal Oak'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 Royal Oak's water compare to other cities in Michigan?
Royal Oak's water quality score of 91/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Royal Oak 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 Royal Oak's water quality?
If you have concerns about Royal Oak'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 (PLEASANT RIDGE) 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.