Is Kalamazoo, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Kalamazoo tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 7 of 8 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFTrDA. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Kalamazoo Get Its Water?
Water in Kalamazoo, MI is provided by 3 public water systems: KALAMAZOO, BATTLE CREEK - VERONA SYSTEM and PFIZER.
How Is Kalamazoo Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine and chloramines. Treatment includes air stripping, conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), groundwater disinfection, post-ozone biofiltration and slow sand filtration.
What's in Kalamazoo Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Kalamazoo public water systems. 7 of 8 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | 7 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| lithium | 9 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 8:2 FTS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 6:2 FTS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFBA | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Kalamazoo
Based on EPA monitoring data, 7 of 8 ZIP codes in Kalamazoo have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.
Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile
This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalamazoo Tap Water
Is Kalamazoo tap water safe to drink?
Kalamazoo tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 7 of 8 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in Kalamazoo tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Kalamazoo water systems include: PFTrDA, lithium, 8:2 FTS. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Kalamazoo get its drinking water?
Kalamazoo receives water from 3 public water systems, including KALAMAZOO.
Do I need a water filter in Kalamazoo?
If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.
How often is Kalamazoo tap water tested?
Public water systems in Kalamazoo are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-07-21.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Kalamazoo
- 49001 - Kalamazoo tap water report Higher concern
- 49004 - Parchment, Kalamazoo tap water report Higher concern
- 49005 - Kalamazoo tap water report Higher concern
- 49006 - Westwood, Kalamazoo tap water report Higher concern
- 49007 - Kalamazoo charter, Kalamazoo tap water report Higher concern
- 49008 - Kalamazoo tap water report Higher concern
- 49009 - Oshtemo charter, Kalamazoo tap water report Higher concern
- 49019 - Kalamazoo tap water report Some concern
Water utilities serving Kalamazoo, MI
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- KALAMAZOOAction advised
- SUN MEADOWS APARTMENTSNo recent federal sampling
Also covers / overlaps with
- Kalamazoo charter, MI · Township
- Cooper charter, MI · Township
- Alamo, MI · Township
- Comstock Northwest, MI · CDP
- Oshtemo charter, MI · Township
- Parchment, MI
- Richland, MI · Township
- Texas charter, MI · Township
- Westwood, MI · CDP