Detroit, Michigan Tap Water Quality Report
Serving utility: City of Detroit
Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS
Notable Concerns
Detroit tap water has 5 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Haloacetic acids (HAA5). Additionally, 6 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Haloacetic acids (HAA5).
Water Provider Information
Contaminants Detected
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EWG Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen | 20.10 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen | 24.90 ppb | 0.15 ppb | 80 ppb | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen | 12.40 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 60 ppb | Above guideline |
| Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen | 0.12 ppb | 0.02 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Nitrate* carcinogen | 0.46 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Fluoride* | 0.59 ppm | N/A | 4 ppm | Below guideline |
| Manganese | 0.10 ppb | 100 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)* carcinogen | 0.06 ppt | 0.30 ppt | 4 ppt | Below guideline |
| Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFPeA)* | 16.10 ppt | 1,000 ppt | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Strontium | 0.11 ppb | 1,500 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Vanadium | 0.19 ppb | 21 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
Health Context
Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Nitrate* carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Recommended Filtration for This Water
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Shop Hydrogen FlaskFrequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit tap water safe to drink?
Detroit tap water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water. However, 5 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 6 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.
What contaminants are in Detroit water?
A total of 11 contaminants were detected in Detroit tap water, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). Of these, 5 exceed EWG health guidelines.
What's the best water filter for Detroit?
For Detroit tap water, we recommend a reverse osmosis (RO) system for drinking water — it removes up to 99.9% of contaminants including heavy metals, PFAS, and disinfection byproducts. For shower and bath water, a whole-home filtration system reduces chlorine and volatile organics.
Where does Detroit get its water?
Detroit tap water is provided by City of Detroit, serving approximately 713,777 people. For detailed source water information, contact your local utility or visit the EPA's SDWIS database.
Nearby City Water Reports
Data sources: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database, U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Last updated: March 2026
Methodology: Contaminant levels are compared against both EPA legal limits (Maximum Contaminant Levels) and EWG health guidelines, which are often stricter and based on the latest scientific research.
