Ohio vs Michigan
Statewide drinking water quality comparison — violation rates, PFAS prevalence, and system-level risk
Quick Answer
Ohio and Michigan have similar open-violation rates (both 0.3%). Ohio has 193 utilities with PFAS records (27.7%) vs. 287 in Michigan (43.0%).
OH · 698 utilities
0.3%
Open violation rate
27.7%
PFAS detection rate
0
High/critical risk
100.0%
Safe/low risk
MI · 667 utilities
0.3%
Open violation rate
43.0%
PFAS detection rate
0
High/critical risk
99.9%
Safe/low risk
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Ohio | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Total Utilities | 698 | 667 |
| Population Served | 11,700,000 | 7,300,000 |
| Well Water % | 12% on private wells | 42% on private wells |
| Open Violation Rate | 0.3%(2 utilities) | 0.3%(2 utilities) |
| PFAS Detection Rate | 27.7%(193 utilities) | 43.0%(287 utilities) |
| High/Critical Risk Utilities | 0 | 0 |
| Safe/Low Risk Rate | 100.0%(698 utilities) | 99.9%(666 utilities) |
| Top Contaminants |
State Profiles
Ohio
Ohio draws water from Lake Erie and inland rivers. Lead contamination in older housing stock — particularly in cities like Toledo and Cleveland — is a documented concern. Agricultural runoff contributes nitrate loading near Lake Erie. Several communities near industrial sites have documented PFAS detections. Ohio EPA holds primary enforcement authority.
Highest-Risk Systems
Michigan
Michigan has 667 community water systems serving approximately 7.3 million residents. Primary water sources include groundwater. The most commonly reported contaminants include lead, disinfection byproducts. 42% of Michigan residents rely on private wells. EGLE holds primary enforcement authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Highest-Risk Systems
Key Differences
Open violation rate: Ohio at 0.3% vs. Michigan at 0.3%. Both states have similar open-violation rates.
PFAS detection: Ohio has PFAS records at 27.7% of utilities vs. 43.0% in Michigan. Rates reflect UCMR 5 monitoring (2023–2025).
Well water reliance: Ohio (12% on private wells) vs. Michigan (42% on private wells). Private well users are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act and should test independently.