Michigan Guide
PFAS Contamination in Michigan — What You Need to Know
Michigan has some of the most significant PFAS contamination in the country. Here is where it has been found, what the state is doing about it, and how to protect your drinking water right now.
Last updated: April 2026 · By the PFASFilterGuide team
Michigan PFAS Standard
MCLs for 7 PFAS compounds: PFOS 16 ppt, PFOA 8 ppt, PFNA 6 ppt, PFHxS 51 ppt, PFHxA 400,000 ppt, PFBS 420 ppt, HFPO-DA (GenX) 370 ppt
Michigan regulates more individual PFAS compounds than any other state — seven total. The PFOA limit of 8 ppt and PFNA limit of 6 ppt are stricter than the federal EPA rule. Michigan has been a national leader on PFAS regulation since the Wolverine World Wide shoe factory scandal in 2017.
Known Contamination Sites
These are publicly documented PFAS detections in Michigan. This is not a complete list — new sites are found regularly as testing expands.
| Location | Source | PFAS Level |
|---|---|---|
| Rockford / Belmont (Kent County) | Wolverine World Wide tannery — Scotchgard waste | PFOS 1,000+ ppt in residential wells (among worst in US) |
| Oscoda (Iosco County) | Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base AFFF | PFOS 200-800+ ppt in groundwater near base |
| Parchment (Kalamazoo County) | Georgia-Pacific paper mill legacy waste | PFAS above 70 ppt in public water — entire town switched supply |
| Ann Arbor / Huron River | Gelman Sciences site — 1,4-dioxane + PFAS | PFAS detected in drinking water treatment plant intake |
| Flint area | Industrial sources + municipal testing | PFAS detected in post-lead-crisis water monitoring |
| Traverse City / Grand Traverse County | Airport and industrial sources | PFAS above state MCLs in several monitoring wells |
Military Base Contamination
AFFF firefighting foam used on military bases is one of the largest sources of PFAS groundwater contamination. The Department of Defense has identified these Michigan bases:
Former Wurtsmith AFB (Oscoda)
One of the worst PFAS sites in the US. Decades of AFFF use contaminated groundwater, lakes, and residential wells for miles. Air Force cleanup ongoing.
Camp Grayling (Crawford County)
PFAS detected from AFFF training. Investigation ongoing. National Guard facility.
Selfridge ANG Base (Harrison Township)
PFAS detected in groundwater. Assessment and monitoring underway.
Michigan PFAS Regulations
- MCLs for 7 individual PFAS compounds — more than any other state
- PFOA MCL at 8 ppt — stricter than the federal 4 ppt when applied to total PFAS loading
- PFNA MCL at 6 ppt — one of only 2 states regulating PFNA (with NJ)
- Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) created in 2017 as dedicated response unit
- All public water systems must test and treat to meet state MCLs
- Michigan has identified 200+ PFAS contamination sites statewide
- PFAS cleanup criteria apply to soil, groundwater, and surface water
- State has sued 3M and other manufacturers to recover cleanup costs
How to Test Your Water in Michigan
Michigan has one of the most active PFAS testing programs in the country. The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) coordinates testing statewide. Public water systems are required to test for all 7 regulated PFAS compounds. If you are on a private well, Michigan offers a well water testing program through county health departments — contact yours to see if free or low-cost PFAS testing is available.
Recommended Filters for Michigan Residents
Any NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS. The right type depends on whether you rent or own, and how many taps you want filtered.
Renters / Budget
Clearly Filtered Pitcher — $80 + $60/yr filters. NSF P473. No install.
See full reviewHomeowners / Kitchen
Under-sink RO system — $200-$400. Filters all drinking + cooking water at one tap.
See full reviewWhole-House
SpringWell PFAS system — $1,500+. Filters every tap including showers and laundry.
See full reviewCommon Questions
How bad is PFAS contamination in Michigan?+
Michigan has identified over 200 PFAS contamination sites — one of the highest counts of any state. The worst is the Wolverine World Wide site in Kent County, where residential wells tested above 1,000 ppt PFOS. The state has been aggressive about testing and regulation since 2017. If you are on a private well in Michigan, getting a PFAS test is strongly recommended.
What PFAS limits does Michigan enforce?+
Michigan enforces MCLs for 7 PFAS compounds: PFOS at 16 ppt, PFOA at 8 ppt, PFNA at 6 ppt, PFHxS at 51 ppt, PFBS at 420 ppt, PFHxA at 400,000 ppt, and HFPO-DA (GenX) at 370 ppt. The PFOA and PFNA limits are stricter than federal standards.
Can I get free PFAS testing in Michigan?+
Possibly. Michigan EGLE and county health departments sometimes offer free PFAS well testing in areas near known contamination sites. Contact your county health department or call the Michigan PFAS hotline. If free testing is not available in your area, private lab tests cost $150-$300.
Is Michigan tap water safe to drink?+
Public water systems in Michigan are required to meet state MCLs for 7 PFAS compounds. If your utility tests below the MCLs, the water meets state safety standards. However, any detectable PFAS still represents some exposure. If you want to minimize exposure below what the treatment plant achieves, use an NSF P473 certified filter at home.
Protect Your Water Now
You do not need to wait for your state to act. An NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS from your tap water today. Start with a test to know your levels, then pick the filter that fits your home.