A87/100
HOUGHTON — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 8,386 people · Michigan
Water Source
Groundwater
County
—
System ID
MI0003230
Violations
6
Contaminant Test Results
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: February 1, 2023 – February 28, 2023Rule: Total Coliform 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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: 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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: 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
Frequently Asked Questions About HOUGHTON
Is HOUGHTON water safe to drink?
HOUGHTON water receives a grade of A (87/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 31 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed non-enforceable health goals. The water meets federal safety standards.
What contaminants has HOUGHTON detected?
31 contaminants were tested in HOUGHTON's water. Notable contaminants include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does HOUGHTON have any EPA violations?
Yes, HOUGHTON has 6 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MON, MR, MCL. 1 are health-based violations.
How many people does HOUGHTON serve?
HOUGHTON serves approximately 8,386 people, Michigan. The system provides water to 1 community: Houghton.
What type of water does HOUGHTON provide?
HOUGHTON sources its water from groundwater. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration. The utility's system ID is MI0003230.
How does HOUGHTON compare to other utilities in Michigan?
HOUGHTON scores 87/100 with a grade of A (excellent). This places it among the higher-performing utilities in the state. Visit our Michigan state page for a full comparison of water systems.