Ingham County, Michigan: drinking water report. Ingham County – Lansing – serves about 280,000 residents.
Ingham County – Lansing – serves about 280,000 residents. The Lansing Board of Water & Light draws entirely from groundwater, operating over 40 wells that tap the Saginaw Formation aquifer. East Lansing and Michigan State University maintain separate systems. The county's reliance on groundwater means water quality reflects the geological and contamination history of the aquifer system.
Lansing's groundwater supply has been impacted by industrial contamination from the city's manufacturing past. Michigan's strict PFAS MCLs for seven compounds apply to all systems. UCMR5 data shows PFAS detections in Ingham County systems.
According to Michigan EGLE's 2024 monitoring data, one Ingham County system exceeded state PFAS limits and required treatment installation. Michigan's proactive regulatory approach means contamination that might go untreated in other states is being addressed. The broader Lansing-area groundwater picture also includes legacy contamination from industrial solvents in some areas.
Ingham County's all-groundwater supply means PFAS and industrial contaminants are the primary concerns. Michigan's strict standards provide stronger protection than most states.
Check your water for data specific to your provider. For PFAS, activated carbon or reverse osmosis provide household-level protection. Our water filter guide covers options. Pull your detailed report, and visit our Michigan page for statewide data.