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Well Water During Pregnancy in Michigan: What’s Safe and What to Test For

By Kyle Wood, Water Treatment Specialist • Updated May 2026 •
Serving Brighton, Howell & Livingston County, Michigan

Why Pregnancy Changes Your Well Water Risk

Well water that has tested safe for adult consumption for years may not be adequately protective during pregnancy. Pregnancy fundamentally changes the risk equation in three ways that Michigan homeowners on private wells need to understand:

The developing fetus is uniquely vulnerable to contaminants that pose minimal risk to adults. Fetal brain, nervous system, kidney, and immune development occur during narrow windows where interference from environmental toxins — even at low concentrations — can cause effects that persist into childhood and beyond. Lead, arsenic, manganese, and PFAS all have documented developmental toxicity at concentrations that fall well below levels causing any detectable symptoms in healthy adults. A Michigan well owner who has been drinking the water for years with no apparent health effects may still be consuming levels of these contaminants that are not appropriate during fetal development.

Pregnant women drink significantly more water. The Institute of Medicine recommends approximately 10 cups (2.4 liters) of total water intake per day during pregnancy, up from 8 cups for non-pregnant adults. This increased consumption means higher daily doses of any contaminant present in the water. For contaminants where risk is dose-dependent — nitrates, arsenic, manganese, and others — the increased consumption during pregnancy elevates exposure beyond what the same well water would deliver to the same person before pregnancy.

Well water contaminant levels change over time. A well water test performed before moving into a Michigan home, or several years ago, may not reflect current conditions. Nitrate concentrations can increase with agricultural activity, drought-driven concentration, or septic system changes in the area. Bacterial contamination can appear suddenly after spring flooding, well cap damage, or pump replacement. Michigan private well water should be tested at the beginning of pregnancy even if a previous test was clean. The Livingston County Environmental Health office recommends annual testing for all private wells; the timing of pregnancy is an additional prompt for testing.

Nitrates: The Most Urgent Pregnancy Concern in Michigan Well Water

Nitrates are the contaminant most directly linked to documented health risks in the context of pregnancy and infant feeding, and they are present at elevated levels in a significant portion of Livingston County agricultural and rural residential wells.

How nitrates affect the developing fetus and infant: Nitrates (NO3−) are reduced to nitrites (NO2−) in the digestive tract by intestinal bacteria. Nitrite reacts with hemoglobin in red blood cells to form methemoglobin — a form of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen. In infants under 6 months old, this causes methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome), a potentially fatal condition. The connection to pregnancy: the same nitrite-forming reaction occurs in fetal red blood cells, which contain fetal hemoglobin that is particularly susceptible to nitrite oxidation. Third-trimester maternal consumption of high-nitrate water is associated with elevated fetal methemoglobin. Additionally, epidemiological studies have linked nitrate exposure during pregnancy to neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly) at concentrations above 5 mg/L — below the EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg/L — suggesting that the current federal standard may not be protective for pregnant women.

Nitrate sources in Livingston County wells: Agricultural fertilizer application is the dominant source of groundwater nitrate in rural Livingston County. Corn and soybean production (common in the county’s agricultural areas) requires heavy nitrogen fertilizer applications that leach downward into the groundwater table over years. Septic system effluent from high-density residential areas is a secondary source — inadequately maintained septic systems near shallow wells contribute nitrates from decomposing organic waste. Natural organic matter decomposition in the soil profile contributes a baseline level of nitrates. Wells in the northern and western parts of Livingston County with significant agricultural land use are at highest risk for nitrate elevation above 5–10 mg/L.

Testing and remediation: Nitrates are not removed by standard water softeners, carbon filters, or UV disinfection. Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes remove 90–95% of nitrates at the kitchen tap, reducing a 15 mg/L nitrate concentration to approximately 0.75–1.5 mg/L — well below the 10 mg/L MCL. For Michigan pregnant homeowners with nitrates above 5 mg/L, an under-sink RO system at the kitchen faucet for drinking and cooking water is the recommended solution during pregnancy and for infant formula preparation after birth. Distillation also removes nitrates; boiling does NOT remove nitrates (it actually concentrates them as water evaporates). See our guide to nitrates in Michigan well water for complete testing and treatment information.

Lead: No Safe Level During Pregnancy

The CDC and EPA have established that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children — and for the developing fetus, the same applies. Lead crosses the placenta freely, accumulating in fetal tissues at concentrations that parallel maternal blood lead levels. Even low lead concentrations in maternal drinking water during pregnancy are associated with reduced fetal brain development, lower birth weight, and cognitive effects in early childhood.

Lead in Michigan well water: Private well water in Michigan is not commonly contaminated with high lead concentrations from the groundwater itself (unlike lead in municipal water, which primarily comes from lead service lines and lead solder in home plumbing). However, lead enters well water in Michigan homes through two pathways: lead solder in older home plumbing (homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered copper pipe joints that leach lead into water that has been sitting in the pipes), and brass fixtures, faucets, and valves that contain lead alloys. Michigan homes built before 1986 should be assumed to have lead plumbing risks until tested. The first water drawn from the tap in the morning (after water has sat in lead-containing pipes overnight) can contain significantly elevated lead levels even if the well water itself is lead-free. See our guide to lead in Michigan well water.

Testing and treatment: Lead testing of well water requires a first-draw sample (water collected after at least 6 hours of no use, representing water that has sat in the pipes). Standard well water tests that collect a flushed sample (after running the water) may miss lead contributed by household plumbing. If your Michigan home was built before 1986, request a first-draw lead test specifically. The action level for lead in drinking water is 15 ppb (parts per billion), but no action level is appropriate for pregnant women — any detectable lead in drinking water during pregnancy warrants remediation. An under-sink reverse osmosis system removes 95–99% of lead at the tap. Running the water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before collecting drinking water (flushing the lead-containing pipe section) also reduces lead concentration, though this is a mitigation measure rather than a solution.

Arsenic: Elevated in Some Michigan Glacial Aquifers

Arsenic occurs naturally in Michigan groundwater from geologically derived sources, particularly in glacial drift aquifers where arsenic-containing mineral formations are present. Southeast Michigan, including parts of Livingston County, has documented areas of elevated groundwater arsenic from natural sources. Arsenic is a known human carcinogen, but during pregnancy its developmental toxicity is the primary concern.

Developmental effects of arsenic during pregnancy: Inorganic arsenic crosses the placenta and accumulates in fetal tissues. Prenatal arsenic exposure is associated with reduced birth weight, increased risk of infant respiratory infections, and effects on fetal immune system development. Longitudinal studies of children exposed prenatally to arsenic in drinking water show reduced cognitive function, IQ effects, and behavioral differences that persist into school age. The EPA MCL for arsenic is 10 ppb; some researchers and health organizations recommend 5 ppb or lower as a protective level for pregnant women and children.

Michigan-specific arsenic risk: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has identified areas of southeast Michigan where naturally occurring arsenic in glacial aquifers exceeds 10 ppb. Livingston County wells in areas with glacial deposit geology (which includes much of the county) should be tested for arsenic, particularly if the well draws from deeper formations. Arsenic contamination is odorless, colorless, and tasteless — it cannot be detected without laboratory testing. See our guide to arsenic in Michigan well water for the complete picture of arsenic distribution and testing in Michigan.

Treatment: Reverse osmosis removes 95–99% of inorganic arsenic. Point-of-use RO at the kitchen tap provides effective protection for drinking and cooking water. Whole-house arsenic removal systems are available but significantly more expensive; for pregnancy-related protection, a kitchen RO system is appropriate. Activated alumina whole-house filter media also removes arsenic effectively and is an alternative to RO for whole-house treatment.

PFAS: Michigan’s Emerging Groundwater Crisis and Pregnancy Risk

Michigan has documented PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in groundwater in numerous locations, primarily associated with former or current use of AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) at military installations, airports, and firefighter training facilities. Private wells in Livingston County are not among the highest-risk areas for PFAS, but proximity to PFAS source sites is not always obvious, and PFAS contamination plumes can travel significant distances in groundwater.

PFAS and fetal development: PFAS compounds cross the placenta and accumulate in the fetal liver and blood. They transfer into breast milk as well. Prenatal PFAS exposure is associated with: reduced birth weight and length, altered thyroid hormone levels in both mother and newborn, reduced antibody response to childhood vaccines (suggesting immune system development effects), earlier onset of puberty in girls exposed prenatally, and elevated cholesterol in childhood. The health effects occur at very low concentrations — the EPA has set a maximum contaminant level goal of zero for PFOA and PFOS, the two most studied PFAS compounds, and the interim health advisory is 0.004 ppt (parts per trillion) for PFOA and 0.02 ppt for PFOS — essentially, any detectable PFAS in drinking water during pregnancy is a concern.

Testing Michigan well water for PFAS: PFAS testing requires specialized laboratory analysis that is not included in standard well water test panels. Michigan homeowners in proximity to military installations, airports, industrial sites, or in areas where PFAS contamination has been documented should request specific PFAS testing. EGLE maintains an interactive map of known PFAS contamination sites in Michigan. Livingston County’s major PFAS concern areas are associated with specific source sites; contact Livingston County Environmental Health for guidance on whether your well location warrants PFAS testing. See our guide to PFAS in Michigan well water.

Treatment: Reverse osmosis removes 95–99% of PFAS compounds. Activated carbon (GAC) removes PFAS but with variable efficiency and a finite capacity that is difficult to monitor without specialized testing. RO is the recommended treatment for confirmed PFAS in drinking water during pregnancy. See our guide to PFAS water filters for Michigan well water.

Bacteria and Coliform: Infection Risk During Pregnancy

Bacterial contamination of well water poses elevated risk during pregnancy because the immune system is naturally suppressed to prevent rejection of the fetus, making pregnant women more susceptible to waterborne bacterial infections and their complications.

Coliform bacteria and E. coli in Michigan wells: Total coliform and E. coli contamination of private wells occurs most frequently following spring snowmelt (March–May in Livingston County), after flooding events, after well construction or pump work, and from wells with deteriorated or improperly installed well caps. E. coli is an indicator of fecal contamination and the presence of potential pathogens. During pregnancy, E. coli urinary tract infections are already more common (due to anatomical changes); waterborne exposure adds another pathway. More seriously, some pathogenic E. coli strains can cause systemic infection with pregnancy complications including preterm labor. Listeria and Campylobacter, while more commonly associated with food, can be present in bacterially contaminated well water and cause particularly severe illness in pregnant women.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia: These protozoan parasites are not addressed by coliform testing (coliform tests detect bacteria only) and require specific testing or are assumed to be possible in shallow wells and surface-influenced aquifers. During pregnancy, Cryptosporidium infection can cause prolonged severe diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance that can pose risks to the pregnancy. Chlorination does not reliably kill Cryptosporidium. UV disinfection at adequate dosage (40 mJ/cm²) effectively inactivates Cryptosporidium and Giardia. RO membranes physically remove protozoan cysts and oocysts. See our guides to bacteria in Michigan well water and UV disinfection for Michigan well water.

Testing and treatment: Total coliform and E. coli should be tested at the beginning of pregnancy and again in April–May (spring snowmelt window). A UV disinfection system on the well supply line provides continuous protection against bacteria, viruses, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia. UV disinfection does not alter water chemistry (no chlorine taste or byproducts) and is appropriate for all Michigan well water during pregnancy regardless of the test result — it provides ongoing protection against contamination events that occur between test dates.

Manganese: Neurodevelopmental Risk in Michigan Glacial Aquifer Wells

Manganese occurs naturally in Michigan well water from glacial deposit geology and is common in Livingston County wells at concentrations of 0.05–0.5 mg/L. While manganese is an essential nutrient at trace levels, elevated manganese in drinking water during pregnancy poses neurodevelopmental risks to the fetus that have received increasing scientific attention in recent years.

Fetal neurodevelopmental effects: Manganese crosses the placenta and accumulates in fetal brain tissue during development. Prospective cohort studies of children born to mothers with elevated manganese exposure through drinking water have documented lower cognitive test scores, reduced memory and executive function, and increased ADHD-like behaviors at school age. The effects are dose-dependent and occur at manganese concentrations that are common in Michigan well water — including levels well below the EPA secondary maximum contaminant level of 0.05 mg/L (the SMCL is set for aesthetic reasons, not health protection). The EPA’s health-based reference dose for manganese suggests that concentrations above 0.1 mg/L in drinking water may pose risks for sensitive populations including infants and developing fetuses.

Michigan-specific concern: Manganese frequently co-occurs with iron in Livingston County glacial drift aquifers. Michigan homeowners who have iron in their well water should test specifically for manganese as well — a standard iron test does not include manganese. Many Michigan well water tests that include the basic panel (coliform, nitrates, iron, hardness, pH) omit manganese. Request a comprehensive panel that specifically includes manganese when testing well water during pregnancy. See our guide to manganese in Michigan well water for health effects and treatment options.

Treatment: Manganese is removed by air injection iron filters that use oxidation and filtration to remove both iron and manganese from the water before it enters the house. Reverse osmosis at the kitchen tap also removes manganese from drinking and cooking water. For Michigan pregnant homeowners with manganese above 0.1 mg/L, point-of-use RO provides effective drinking water protection while a whole-house iron/manganese filter is being evaluated or installed.

Radon: Radiation Exposure from Michigan Well Water During Pregnancy

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by uranium decay in granite and certain mineral formations. In Michigan, radon occurs in well water drawn from deep glacial formations and bedrock aquifers. While airborne radon (entering homes through foundation cracks) is the primary radon concern in Michigan, waterborne radon from well water contributes both to inhalation exposure (radon outgasses from water during showering and washing) and to a small internal dose from drinking the water directly.

Pregnancy-specific radon concern: Ionizing radiation from radon and its decay products can cause DNA damage in rapidly dividing fetal cells. While the dose from waterborne radon in well water is typically lower than the inhalation dose from airborne radon, the dose is not zero, and the developing fetus has no established safe threshold for radiation exposure. Michigan wells in areas with granitic bedrock or high-uranium geological formations (portions of northern and western Michigan, and some areas of southeast Michigan) can have waterborne radon concentrations above the EPA’s proposed MCL of 300 pCi/L. See our guide to radon in Michigan well water.

Treatment: Aeration (spraying well water through air) or granular activated carbon (GAC) filters remove radon from well water. Radon testing of well water is separate from household air radon testing. If your Michigan home has elevated airborne radon (above 4 pCi/L in air), the well water should also be tested for radon, particularly during pregnancy.

Hardness and Iron: Not Health Risks During Pregnancy, But Worth Understanding

Two contaminants that Michigan homeowners frequently ask about in the pregnancy context — hardness (calcium and magnesium) and iron — are not health risks during pregnancy at the concentrations found in Livingston County well water. Understanding why helps clarify the priority hierarchy:

Hardness (calcium and magnesium): High hardness (250–400 mg/L in Livingston County) is an aesthetic problem — it causes scale buildup, soap scum, and hard water laundry damage — but calcium and magnesium at these concentrations are not harmful to drink during pregnancy. In fact, calcium intake during pregnancy is important for fetal bone development, and well water calcium contributes to daily calcium intake. The WHO and EPA classify hardness as a non-health concern at the levels found in Michigan well water. A water softener that removes hardness during pregnancy is appropriate for the aesthetic and maintenance benefits, but not required for health protection. Softened water has elevated sodium from the ion exchange process; pregnant women with hypertension or sodium restriction should consult their physician about softened water consumption or use a bypass for the kitchen tap that delivers unsoftened water for drinking.

Iron: Iron in Michigan well water at the concentrations typically found (1–8 mg/L) is not a direct health risk during pregnancy. The EPA secondary MCL for iron is 0.3 mg/L (an aesthetic standard, not a health standard). Pregnant women have increased iron requirements, but drinking iron from well water does not provide bioavailable supplemental iron in a clinically meaningful way — dietary iron and supplements remain the appropriate sources. The iron in well water does require treatment for aesthetic reasons (staining, taste, odor) and to protect appliances, but it is not a pregnancy health concern. However, wells with elevated iron frequently also have elevated manganese (a genuine pregnancy concern), which is why comprehensive testing that includes manganese is important.

What Well Water Tests to Run During Pregnancy in Michigan

Michigan pregnant homeowners should prioritize a comprehensive well water test immediately upon becoming pregnant or ideally before conception. The following test panel is appropriate for Livingston County conditions during pregnancy:

Baseline panel (all Michigan pregnant homeowners): Total coliform bacteria, E. coli (separate confirmation from total coliform positive), nitrates (as nitrate-nitrogen, compared against 10 mg/L MCL), lead (first-draw sample for pre-1986 homes; flushed sample plus source for newer homes), arsenic (natural geological source in Michigan), iron, manganese (often omitted from basic panels — specifically request), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and hardness.

Additional testing based on risk factors: PFAS if near known contamination sites, military installations, or airports. Radon if airborne radon is elevated in the home or the well draws from deep formations. Fluoride if the well is deep and draws from limestone formations (naturally elevated fluoride in some Michigan aquifers). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) if there is known industrial contamination in the groundwater area or proximity to underground storage tanks.

Where to test in Livingston County: Livingston County lists two certified labs for well water: Brighton Analytical (810-229-7575) and Water Tech (517-548-2505). Pure Water Filtration provides free basic water quality testing as part of a well water consultation — call (248) 533-5050 to schedule. Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) maintain lists of certified laboratories for private well testing. See our guides to water testing in Livingston County and free water testing in Livingston County.

Timing of testing: Test at the start of pregnancy. Repeat coliform and nitrate testing in April–May (spring snowmelt window, highest bacterial and nitrate contamination risk in Michigan). If any test shows a new positive result, retest after remediation to confirm resolution.

Recommended Water Filtration for Michigan Pregnant Homeowners

For Michigan pregnant homeowners on well water, the most effective filtration approach addresses the broadest range of contaminants at the tap where drinking and cooking water is collected. The following recommendations are tiered by concern level:

Tier 1 (all pregnant homeowners on Michigan well water): Under-sink reverse osmosis system at the kitchen tap. A 5-stage under-sink RO system provides comprehensive protection against the full range of pregnancy-relevant contaminants: it removes 95–99% of nitrates, lead, arsenic, PFAS, manganese, radon (dissolved), fluoride, and most other dissolved contaminants. RO-purified water at the kitchen tap is the recommended water source for drinking, cooking, and infant formula preparation. RO does not require electricity to produce water (it uses line water pressure) and produces 0.5–1 gallon per hour of purified water stored in a tank under the sink. Cost: $200–$600 for system plus installation; annual filter replacement: $40–$80. See our guide to best reverse osmosis systems for Michigan well water and RO installation for Michigan well water.

Tier 2 (pregnant homeowners with bacterial risk or positive coliform tests): UV disinfection system on the whole-house supply line. A whole-house UV system at the point of entry eliminates the risk of bacterial, viral, or protozoan contamination in all water used in the home — drinking, cooking, showering, and brushing teeth. UV does not alter water chemistry and has no chemical taste or byproducts. On Michigan iron well water, UV systems must be installed after an iron filter (iron in the water absorbs UV radiation and reduces the effective dose). Cost: $500–$1,300 installed. Annual lamp replacement: $30–$80. See our guide to UV disinfection for Michigan well water.

Tier 3 (pregnant homeowners with iron and manganese): Whole-house iron/manganese filter. An air injection oxidation iron filter at the point of entry removes iron and manganese from all household water before it reaches the UV system, softener, or RO system. This protects both the UV system’s effectiveness (iron fouling of the UV sleeve reduces dose) and the RO membrane (iron fouling reduces membrane life). For Michigan homeowners with iron above 1 mg/L and manganese above 0.05 mg/L, this system is the foundation of the treatment train. See our guide to best iron filters for Michigan well water.

The recommended complete treatment train for Livingston County pregnancy protection: Iron/manganese filter (point of entry) → water softener (point of entry) → UV disinfection (point of entry) → under-sink RO (point of use at kitchen tap). This sequence removes iron and manganese from all household water, removes hardness (protecting appliances and plumbing), disinfects all water against bacteria and protozoa, and then provides final high-purity drinking water at the kitchen faucet. The RO system catches any contaminant that passes through upstream stages and is the pregnancy-critical final barrier. See our guide to whole house water treatment for Michigan well water for complete system design guidance.

Michigan Well Water Safety During Pregnancy: What About Showering and Bathing?

Drinking and cooking water are the primary routes of well water contaminant exposure during pregnancy. Showering and bathing represent a secondary exposure pathway that is relevant for some contaminants but not others:

Chloroform and trihalomethanes (THMs): These disinfection byproducts are a concern in chlorinated municipal water but are not present in untreated private well water (which does not receive chlorine disinfection). Homeowners who chlorinate their well water (chlorine injection systems) should avoid long hot showers during pregnancy, as THMs formed from chlorine reacting with organic matter in well water can outgas in shower steam and be inhaled. Chlorine injection systems on Michigan well water should include an appropriate contact tank and activated carbon filter to reduce THM formation before water reaches household taps.

Lead: Skin absorption of lead from shower water is negligible compared to ingestion. Showering and bathing with water that contains lead is not a significant lead exposure route during pregnancy. The kitchen tap is the relevant lead exposure point.

Radon: Radon outgasses vigorously from hot water. Showering with well water that contains elevated radon increases the radon concentration in the bathroom air during and immediately after the shower. Pregnant women in homes with high radon in both air and water should ventilate the bathroom during showering (open windows or run the bathroom exhaust fan) to reduce radon inhalation exposure.

Bacteria: Showering with bacterially contaminated well water is generally safe for healthy adults (the skin is a barrier to most waterborne bacteria), but pregnant women should avoid submerging in untreated well water or using well water for nasal irrigation (neti pots) without prior boiling, particularly if a positive coliform test has been detected and remediation is incomplete.

Hot Water Taps: An Important Caution During Pregnancy

Michigan pregnant homeowners should never use hot water from the tap for drinking or cooking. This is a general recommendation that applies to all drinking water sources, but it is particularly important on well water for two reasons:

First, hot water tanks harbor Legionella bacteria at temperatures below 122°F (50°C). Water heaters set below this temperature — common to reduce scalding risk or energy costs — allow Legionella to multiply in the tank. Drinking or inhaling hot water aerosols from an inadequately heated tank can cause Legionella infection (Legionnaires’ disease), which is particularly serious during pregnancy. Always use cold water from the tap for drinking and cooking; bring it to a boil if hot water is needed for cooking.

Second, hot water dissolves lead from plumbing fixtures and solder more readily than cold water. In pre-1986 Michigan homes with lead solder, hot tap water can contain significantly higher lead concentrations than cold tap water. Never use hot tap water to prepare infant formula or beverages during pregnancy. Use cold water and heat it separately if needed.

Communicating with Your Healthcare Provider About Well Water Safety

Michigan obstetricians and midwives practicing in Livingston County are familiar with private well water — the majority of their patients outside Brighton and Howell city limits are on private wells. However, well water testing and contaminant counseling falls outside the scope of prenatal care, and most healthcare providers will refer patients to public health resources for specific guidance. What you can do to get the best guidance:

Bring your well water test results to a prenatal appointment. A copy of the laboratory report showing specific contaminant levels (especially nitrates, lead, arsenic, and any elevated parameters) gives your provider the information needed to assess whether the concentrations found pose risks at your specific stage of pregnancy. Generic concerns about “well water safety” are harder for a provider to address than specific data.

Ask specifically about nitrate exposure if your test shows nitrates above 5 mg/L. Your provider can advise on the current evidence regarding nitrates and pregnancy risk, and may recommend switching to bottled water or RO-filtered water for the duration of pregnancy even if levels are below the EPA MCL of 10 mg/L. Some Michigan obstetric practices have adopted a precautionary recommendation of treating any nitrate above 5 mg/L as a concern during pregnancy.

Contact Livingston County Environmental Health at (517) 546-9858. The county health department maintains current data on known contamination in the county’s groundwater, can advise on whether your well area has had documented problems, and can help interpret test results in the local geological context. This resource is free and staffed by environmental health professionals who are familiar with Livingston County’s specific groundwater conditions.

Michigan Well Water and Breastfeeding: A Brief Note

After delivery, the well water safety concerns relevant to pregnancy largely transition to concerns about infant formula preparation and the baby’s direct water consumption (after 6 months of age when water supplementation may be introduced). Breastfeeding mothers consuming Michigan well water should be aware that some contaminants — particularly PFAS and certain heavy metals including lead and arsenic — can transfer from maternal blood into breast milk. The concentrations in breast milk are typically much lower than in drinking water, and the benefits of breastfeeding overwhelmingly outweigh the risks from trace contaminants in most cases. However, breastfeeding mothers on Michigan wells with confirmed PFAS or elevated lead or arsenic should discuss this with their healthcare provider and consider the same RO-filtered water drinking strategy as during pregnancy to reduce the maternal body burden of these contaminants. See our related guide to well water safety for babies and infant formula in Michigan.

Interim Protection While Awaiting Test Results or System Installation

Between sending water samples to the lab and receiving results, or while a treatment system is being sourced and installed, Michigan pregnant homeowners on private wells can take these interim protective measures:

Use commercially bottled water with an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification (NSF 53 = contaminant reduction including lead; NSF 58 = RO systems that also reduce contaminants) for all drinking and cooking water. Bottled spring water or purified water are appropriate. Avoid using the hot water tap for drinking or cooking. Flush cold water taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before collecting water for drinking in homes that have been unoccupied for 6+ hours (this reduces lead from pipe sections). Do not boil water to remove nitrates, lead, arsenic, or PFAS — boiling concentrates these contaminants as water evaporates. Boiling is only appropriate to kill bacteria, and only when a positive coliform test has been confirmed.

An under-sink RO system can typically be sourced, delivered, and installed within 1–2 weeks from the decision to install. Pure Water Filtration serves Livingston County and can expedite installation for pregnant homeowners. Call (248) 533-5050 to schedule.