Washington County, Michigan — public water systems

How does Washington County compare with other Michigan counties?

Washington County has the 84th-most active public water systems among the 131 counties listed for active Michigan systems in EPA records; among the 88 with 3 or more systems, the median has 92. Its systems report 2,098 people served in total, the 85th-largest county figure in the state and less than 0.1% of the statewide total. The average system here reports serving 420 people, about half of the Michigan average of 847. Population figures are what each system reports; people served by more than one system, such as a wholesaler and the town that buys from it, are counted by each.

Where does Washington County's drinking water come from?

By primary water source, Washington County's active systems draw on purchased surface water (3, 60%), groundwater (1, 20%) and groundwater under influence of surface water (1, 20%). Overall, 40% rely mainly on groundwater (including purchased groundwater) and 60% on surface water, compared with 97% and 3.1% across Michigan. Purchased surface water means the system buys surface water from another public water system rather than drawing its own. The county's largest system, South Park Mhc LLC, draws primarily on purchased surface water.

What kinds of water systems operate in Washington County?

Washington County's active systems break down as 4 community systems (80%) and 1 non-transient non-community systems (20%). A community water system serves at least 15 connections used by year-round residents, or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents. Homes, apartments and mobile-home parks are served by these. A non-transient non-community water system regularly serves at least 25 of the same people for more than six months a year, but not where they live. Schools, factories, office buildings and hospitals with their own supply are typical examples. EPA lists their owner types as private (100%).