National Drinking Water Database
MTBE in Michigan
MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) is a fuel additive that had been used as an octane enhancer in unleaded gasoline; it contaminates groundwater due to spillage or leakage at gas stations, and has been banned or scheduled for phaseout in most states.
The Most Polluted Communities in Michigan
6 water utilities reported detecting MTBE in tap water since 2004, according to EWG's analysis of water quality data supplied by state water agencies
Ranked by highest average MTBE level
| Rank | System | Population Served | Positive test results of total reported tests | Average Level (Range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ely Township-Greenwood Ishpeming, MI | 266 | 6 of 6 | 5 ppb (2 to 8 ppb) |
| 2 | Lantern Bay Treatment Center Grandville, MI | 67 | 1 of 1 | 1 ppb (1 ppb) |
| 3 | Little Gem Trailer Park Otsego, MI | 40 | 2 of 4 | 1 ppb (0 to 2 ppb) |
| 4 | City of Mcbain Mcbain, MI | 584 | 3 of 3 | 0.94 ppb (0.83 to 1 ppb) |
| 5 | Reading Reading, MI | 1,134 | 1 of 1 | 0.5 ppb (0.5 ppb) |
| 6 | Interlochen Center For The Arts Interlochen, MI | 710 | 4 of 4 | 0.44 ppb (0.33 to 0.5 ppb) |
Health Based Limits for MTBE
| Standard | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| California Public Health Goals | Defined by the State of California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) as the level of contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. For acutely toxic substances, levels are set at which scientific evidence indicates that no known or anticipated adverse effects on health will occur, plus an adequate margin-of safety. PHGs for carcinogens or other substances which can cause chronic disease shall be based solely on health effects without regard to cost impacts and shall be set at levels which OEHHA has determined do not pose any significant risk to health. | 13 ppb |
Violation Summary for MTBE in Michigan
There are no violations reported for this contaminant in Michigan