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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 49525 Water Quality Report

Grand Rapids, MI · Kent County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

0

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 49525

Tap water in ZIP code 49525 (Grand Rapids, MI) receives a C grade (score: 68/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Grand Rapids is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Grand Rapids

EPA ID: MI0002790

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

273,005 residents

County

Kent County County, Michigan

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Lead Levels in ZIP 49525

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

Lead Level: 7.0 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 49525 is 7.0 ppb, below the EPA action level of 15 ppb but above what many health experts consider ideal. The CDC and EPA both affirm there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter, and request lead testing of their home's tap water.

Lead exposure risk in 49525 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 56% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
7.00 ppb (0.007 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

173 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

56%
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

Grand Rapids has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years — a strong indicator of consistent regulatory compliance and careful monitoring.

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

Regulatory compliance risk for Grand Rapids is rated Low — indicating a consistent track record of meeting EPA reporting and treatment requirements.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 49525. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Haloacetic Acids Group [HAA5] (35 ppb); Total Trihalomethanes [TTHMs] (57 ppb); Lead [action level at consumer taps] (173 ppb*)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Grand Rapids — 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
CCR Source Classification
Lake Michigan (surface water)
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$3
Energy Burden

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

2.07%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 49525 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 49525 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 49525?+
Tap water in 49525 (Grand Rapids, MI) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 49525 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 49525 is 7.0 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 49525?+
Tap water in ZIP code 49525 is provided by Grand Rapids (EPA ID: MI0002790). This system serves approximately 273,005 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 49525?+
ZIP code 49525 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 49525 have any active water quality violations?+
No active violations are on record for ZIP code 49525. EPA data shows this water system is currently in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 49525?+
Your water utility — Grand Rapids — 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 "Grand Rapids Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 49525?+
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 49525, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 49525 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 7.0 ppb in 49525, 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 49525 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 Grand Rapids. 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 →