Is Detroit Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Detroit's tap water is treated and meets U.S. EPA drinking water standards. It is generally considered safe to drink.
The city sources water from Lake Huron and the Detroit River, undergoing rigorous testing for contaminants regularly.
Occasional infrastructure issues may affect quality locally, but overall, Detroit's water complies with federal safety regulations.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
United States is ranked as number 9 globally with a score of 96.4% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Detroit, United States
Detroit's main tap water sources are Lake Huron and the Detroit River.
Water is drawn from intake facilities located in these bodies of water.
These sources provide raw water treated at Detroit Water and Sewerage Department plants before distribution.
Detroit Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Detroit receive treated water meeting EPA standards, generally making them safe to use.
However, fountain cleanliness and maintenance affect safety; older infrastructure may pose occasional risks.
Users should consider fountain condition and local advisories, especially during infrastructure repairs or contamination events.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Detroit. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
- Flint
(92 km)
- Medina
(164 km)
- Saint Catharines
(324 km)
- Toronto
(331 km)
- Rochester
(452 km)
- Champaign
(499 km)
About the Author

Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.
I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.
Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job — it's something I truly care about.