Saginaw County, Michigan: drinking water report. Saginaw County is home to about 190,000 residents in central Michigan.
Saginaw County is home to about 190,000 residents in central Michigan. The City of Saginaw draws water from Lake Huron via a pipeline, while other communities in the county rely on the Saginaw River or groundwater wells. The county's industrial past includes automotive manufacturing, chemical production, and foundry operations that shaped both the economy and the environmental profile of the region.
Lead in drinking water remains a concern in Saginaw County. According to the Michigan EGLE's 2024 lead and copper monitoring data, the City of Saginaw reported a 90th percentile lead level of 11 ppb – approaching the 15 ppb action level. Aging infrastructure and lead service lines, similar to those that caused the crisis in neighboring Flint, affect older neighborhoods throughout the city.
PFAS contamination adds another layer. The former Saginaw County Airport and several industrial sites used AFFF firefighting foam. A 2024 EGLE investigation identified PFAS in groundwater near the airport at concentrations above 70 ppt for combined PFOS and PFOA. Residents on private wells in the townships surrounding these sites face the highest exposure risk.
Older homes in Saginaw with original plumbing should treat lead as a real possibility, not a theoretical concern. Running your tap for 30-60 seconds before drinking helps flush standing water from lead pipes, but a certified filter provides more consistent protection.
Check your water for current data specific to your address. For lead, a NSF 53-certified pitcher filter is the simplest daily option. For PFAS, add reverse osmosis at the kitchen tap. Our water filter guide covers both scenarios. Get your detailed report for historical trends, and see our Michigan page for the statewide picture.