Calhoun County, MI · PWSID MI0000260
Athens lead service lines
127 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Athens reported 0 lead and 127 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 447 in its inventory. That's 28% of all its lines. Another 7 (1.6%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #150 of 319 Michigan systems with confirmed lead lines, and #1,626 nationally.
28% of Athens's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's higher than the Michigan average (9.8%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 0%
- Galvanized (replace) 28%
- Unknown 1.6%
- Non-lead 70%
Total service lines reported: 447. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 956; 386 connections.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 127 in 2025 Q1 to 127 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 7 to 7, no change.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Athens. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2019 | Missed water quality parameter monitoring | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Athens's main water source is groundwater (wells).
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Athens whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Calhoun County
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Creek - Verona System | 3,781 | 7,066 |
| Albion | 627 | 0 |
| Marshall | 83 | 177 |
| Pennfield Township | 2 | 0 |
| Springfield | 0 | 0 |
| Emmett Township | 7 | 0 |
| Homer | 0 | 0 |
| Pennfield Twp-Convis/Verona | 2 | 0 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Athens have lead pipes?
Yes. Athens reported 0 lead service lines and 127 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 447 total. 7 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Athens's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Athens replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Athens had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Athens.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Athens lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/mi/athens/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.