Is Flint tap water safe to drink?

Use caution filtration recommended

Flint's water has significant quality concerns. We strongly recommend a certified water filter.

43/100
Purity Score
4
Issues Found
5.2 GPG
Hardness
Detected
PFAS

4 Issues Detected in Flint

PFAS (Forever Chemicals) Detected

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

PFAS details for Flint

Elevated Lead Risk

Lead contamination often caused by aging pipes especially homes built before 1986.

Lead data for Flint

High Chlorine Residual

Elevated chlorine can affect taste smell and skin.

Chlorine info for Flint

Arsenic Approaching Limit (0.9 mg/L)

EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L.

Arsenic info for Flint
Michigan

485,014,850,248,503 · Karegnondi Water Authority Lake Huron

Flint PFAS Water Analysis (2026)

High Risk Updated March 2026 95,943 residents
See Best Filters for Flint
43
Purity Score

Recent testing detected PFAS in Flint tap water. Below you'll find contaminant data, an overall purity score, and matched filter recommendations based on Flint's specific water profile.

Contaminant Levels

PFAS
4.5 ppt
Lead
22 ppb
Nitrate
1.4 mg/L
Arsenic
0.9 mg/L
Hardness
5.2 gpg

Health Insights

  • 1
    PFAS have been identified in Flint's water at 4.5 parts per trillion. A reverse osmosis system is the most reliable home treatment.
  • 2
    Chlorine residuals in Flint are on the higher end. An activated carbon filter readily removes it.
  • 3
    Lead risk is elevated in Flint. A point-of-use filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 is strongly recommended.

Score

43 /100
Poor
"Good" threshold (70)

Flint tap water is sourced from Karegnondi Water Authority Lake Huron and treated by Flint Department of Public Works. PFAS forever chemicals have been detected. Lead levels are elevated due to aging infrastructure. Overall purity score: 43/100 (Poor). Updated for 2026.

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Best filters matched to Flint's 4 issues.

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About Flint's Water

Understanding PFAS in Flint's Water Supply

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of synthetic chemicals used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. Testing identified PFAS compounds in Flint's water at 4.5 parts per trillion. These chemicals resist breakdown in the environment and the human body, which is why they're sometimes called forever chemicals. The EPA has established health advisories for several PFAS compounds. A certified reverse osmosis system removes 99% or more of PFAS from drinking water and is currently the most reliable home treatment option.

Chlorine Levels in Flint Water: What to Expect

Municipal systems serving Flint maintain chlorine residuals on the higher side to ensure water stays safe through aging distribution pipes. The trade-off is a noticeable taste or smell that some residents find objectionable. Carbon block or activated carbon filters readily remove chlorine disinfectants and their byproducts (trihalomethanes). These are among the most affordable and easy-to-install filtration options available.

Lead Risk in Flint: What Homeowners Should Do

Data for Flint shows elevated lead levels. Because lead contamination is often tied to household plumbing rather than the municipal supply itself, exposure can vary significantly between homes. Homes built before 1986 are at greater risk due to lead solder in pipes. The most reliable protection is a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal under NSF/ANSI 53. A home water test kit can confirm whether your specific tap is affected.

Explore Flint Water Data

PFAS Levels in FlintPFAS testing data
Flint Lead LevelsLead testing data
Water Hardness in FlintHardness levels
Best FiltersFull comparison
MichiganState rankings

Flint Water FAQ

Is Flint MI tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Flint tap water meets EPA federal drinking water standards and scores 43/100 (Poor) on PurityMap for 2026. PFAS forever chemicals have been detected at 4.5 ppt. An NSF-certified filter is strongly recommended. Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb especially in homes built before 1986. For most healthy adults the water is considered safe but point-of-use filtration adds an important layer of protection.
Does Flint MI use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
Flint uses chloramine as the primary disinfectant with a residual level of 2.6 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 Flint MI water and what is the TDS level?
Flint water hardness is 5.2 grains per gallon (moderate) with a TDS of 200 ppm (fair). This level is unlikely to cause significant scale buildup in household plumbing.
Has PFAS been found in Flint MI drinking water?
Yes. PFAS forever chemicals have been detected in Flint water at approximately 4.5 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 Flint?
Based on Flint's water profile, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. Flint: 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

KalamazooMichigan — 60/100Ann ArborMichigan — 64/100DetroitMichigan — 74/100DearbornMichigan — 74/100LansingMichigan — 78/100Grand RapidsMichigan — 79/100

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Data Sources

  • EPA SDWIS
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • Flint Department of Public Works CCR
  • USGS monitoring data

PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.

© 2026 PurityMap. For informational purposes only.

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