Is Ann Arbor tap water safe to drink?

Yes but with caveats

Ann Arbor's water meets EPA minimum standards but has some concerns including PFAS detected. Filtration is recommended for sensitive individuals.

64/100
Purity Score
4
Issues Found
8.5 GPG
Hardness
Detected
PFAS

4 Issues Detected in Ann Arbor

PFAS (Forever Chemicals) Detected

PFAS are man-made chemicals that do not break down and accumulate in the body.

PFAS details for Ann Arbor

Moderately Hard Water (8.5 GPG)

Hardness above 7 GPG can cause minor scale buildup.

Hardness data for Ann Arbor

Moderate Chlorine Level

Chlorine within EPA limits but may affect taste.

Chlorine info for Ann Arbor

Arsenic Approaching Limit (0.2 mg/L)

EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L.

Arsenic info for Ann Arbor
Michigan

481,034,810,448,105 · Barton Pond Huron River

Ann Arbor PFAS Water Analysis (2026)

Elevated Risk Updated March 2026 122,000 residents
See Best Filters for Ann Arbor
64
Purity Score

PFAS compounds have been identified in Ann Arbor's public water supply. This report covers detection levels, health context, and the filtration options best suited to Ann Arbor residents.

Contaminant Levels

PFAS
2.1 ppt
Lead
3.5 ppb
Nitrate
0.6 mg/L
Arsenic
0.2 mg/L
Hardness
8.5 gpg

Health Insights

  • 1
    With a hardness of 8.5 GPG, Ann Arbor residents may notice white scale on faucets. Hard water increases maintenance costs.
  • 2
    PFAS have been identified in Ann Arbor's water at 2.1 parts per trillion. A reverse osmosis system is the most reliable home treatment.
  • 3
    Chlorine levels may affect the taste of Ann Arbor's tap water. A carbon filter improves flavor.

Score

64 /100
Moderate
"Good" threshold (70)

Ann Arbor tap water is sourced from Barton Pond Huron River and treated by City of Ann Arbor Water Treatment Services. PFAS forever chemicals have been detected. Water hardness is hard at 8.5 GPG which may cause scale buildup. Overall purity score: 64/100 (Moderate). Updated for 2026.

Fix Your Water

Best filters matched to Ann Arbor's 4 issues.

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About Ann Arbor's Water

PFAS Water Contamination: What Ann Arbor Residents Should Know

PFAS have been detected in Ann Arbor's water supply at 2.1 parts per trillion. Health agencies including the EPA have set limits on certain PFAS compounds in drinking water due to concerns about long-term exposure. While municipal treatment reduces many contaminants, standard water treatment does not fully remove PFAS. Point-of-use reverse osmosis filtration is the most effective home solution confirmed to remove PFAS at the 99%+ level.

Ann Arbor Hard Water: Effects on Your Home

Hard water conditions in Ann Arbor (8.5 GPG) can leave white mineral deposits on fixtures, reduce soap lather, and gradually damage water-using appliances. Water heaters are particularly vulnerable: scale insulates the heating element, raising energy costs and reducing lifespan. A water softener exchanging calcium and magnesium for sodium eliminates scale formation throughout the home. For households concerned about sodium in drinking water, pairing a softener with an RO system at the kitchen tap is the standard approach.

Explore Ann Arbor Water Data

PFAS Levels in Ann ArborPFAS testing data
Ann Arbor Lead LevelsLead testing data
Water Hardness in Ann ArborHardness levels
Best FiltersFull comparison
MichiganState rankings

Ann Arbor Water FAQ

Is Ann Arbor MI tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Ann Arbor tap water meets EPA federal drinking water standards and scores 64/100 (Moderate) on PurityMap for 2026. PFAS forever chemicals have been detected at 2.1 ppt. An NSF-certified filter is strongly recommended. For most healthy adults the water is considered safe but point-of-use filtration adds an important layer of protection.
Does Ann Arbor MI use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
Ann Arbor uses chloramine as the primary disinfectant with a residual level of 1.4 ppm. Chloramine is harder to remove than free chlorine and requires a catalytic carbon or reverse osmosis filter. Standard Brita-style pitchers will NOT remove chloramine.
How hard is Ann Arbor MI water and what is the TDS level?
Ann Arbor water hardness is 8.5 grains per gallon (hard) with a TDS of 290 ppm (fair). This level causes noticeable scale buildup in water heaters kettles and dishwashers. A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and reduce soap usage.
Has PFAS been found in Ann Arbor MI drinking water?
Yes. PFAS forever chemicals have been detected in Ann Arbor water at approximately 2.1 ppt according to EPA UCMR5 monitoring data. A reverse osmosis or NSF P473-certified filter is the most effective residential solution.
What is the best water filter for Ann Arbor?
Based on Ann Arbor's water profile, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. Ann Arbor: PFAS detected or elevated lead risk. Reverse osmosis is the only residential technology proven to reduce both below detection limits. TDS will also drop significantly.

Nearby Reports

FlintMichigan — 43/100KalamazooMichigan — 60/100DetroitMichigan — 74/100DearbornMichigan — 74/100LansingMichigan — 78/100Grand RapidsMichigan — 79/100

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Data Sources

  • EPA SDWIS
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • City of Ann Arbor Water Treatment Services CCR
  • USGS monitoring data

PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.

© 2026 PurityMap. For informational purposes only.

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