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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 48218 Water Quality Report

River Rouge, MI · Wayne County County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

5

Lead Risk

Very High

Contaminants

1

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 48218

Tap water in ZIP code 48218 (River Rouge, MI) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 74/100). Served by River Rouge, the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

Water System

River Rouge

EPA ID: MI0005690

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

7,224 residents

County

Wayne County County, Michigan

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Lead Levels in ZIP 48218

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 13.2 ppb — Approaching Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 48218 is 13.2 ppb, approaching the EPA action level of 15 ppb. When a water system's 90th percentile exceeds this threshold, the utility is required to take corrective action including public notification and infrastructure upgrades. Residents — especially those with children or in homes built before 1986 — should use a certified lead-reducing filter (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58) for drinking and cooking water.

Lead exposure risk in 48218 is rated Very High. EPA models estimate a 85% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This is among the highest risk categories nationally, often associated with heavily aging infrastructure and pre-1986 construction. Do not give unfiltered tap water to children under 6 or pregnant women. Consider getting your home's plumbing tested for lead solder and fixtures.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
13.20 ppb (0.0132 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Very High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

85%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

River Rouge has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. A single health violation means the water exceeded an EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) at some point. Most water systems resolve these quickly, but residents should review the Consumer Confidence Report for details. 2 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
5
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
2
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. River Rouge has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 48218: E. coli. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

E. coli

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against River Rouge — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

5.11%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 48218 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from River Rouge
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 48218 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 48218?+
Yes — tap water in 48218 (River Rouge, MI) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 48218 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 48218 is 13.2 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 48218?+
Tap water in ZIP code 48218 is provided by River Rouge (EPA ID: MI0005690). This system serves approximately 7,224 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 48218?+
ZIP code 48218 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 48218 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 2 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact River Rouge for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 48218?+
Your water utility — River Rouge — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "River Rouge Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 48218?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 48218, with detected contaminants including E. coli, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 48218 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 13.2 ppb in 48218, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 48218 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by River Rouge. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →