Is Bloomfield Hills city water safe to drink?

Municipal water in Bloomfield Hills and surrounding Oakland County communities meets federal EPA safety guidelines. However, city water can still contain chlorine, chloramine, PFAS, VOCs, and pharmaceutical residues in trace amounts. Many homeowners choose additional filtration to reduce long-term exposure to these contaminants.

What chemicals are commonly found in Southeast Michigan municipal water?

Common chemicals and contaminants in Southeast Michigan water include chlorine, chloramine, PFAS, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, disinfection byproducts like THMs and HAAs, and pharmaceutical residues. Levels vary by treatment facility and source water conditions.

Can chlorine and chloramine affect my health or home?

Yes. Chlorine and chloramine can cause dry skin, brittle hair, and respiratory irritation from shower vapors. Chloramine can also degrade rubber plumbing components over time, leading to premature fixture or appliance wear.

What is PFAS and why is it in my water?

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are long-lasting industrial chemicals used in manufacturing, firefighting foam, and consumer products. They enter water supplies through industrial runoff and wastewater. PFAS are known as 'forever chemicals' because they break down slowly and may pose long-term health risks.

How does a whole-home carbon filtration system improve water quality?

A whole-home carbon filtration system removes chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, and disinfection byproducts before the water reaches your fixtures. This results in cleaner water from every tap, better air quality during showers, and longer-lasting plumbing and appliances.

What does a Sterling 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis system remove?

The Sterling QCRO 5-Stage RO system removes up to 98% of total dissolved solids (TDS), lead, fluoride, chlorine, PFAS compounds, pesticides, and other dissolved contaminants. It produces clean, great-tasting drinking water without electricity and meets NSF/ANSI certification standards.

Do I need both a whole-home filter and a reverse osmosis system?

Yes. Whole-home carbon filtration treats water for bathing, cleaning, laundry, and appliance protection, while the reverse osmosis system purifies drinking and cooking water at the molecular level. Together, they provide the highest level of protection for your entire home.

Does Thornton & Grooms provide water testing in Oakland County?

Yes. Thornton & Grooms offers free in-home water testing and expert recommendations for whole-home filtration and reverse osmosis systems across Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, Beverly Hills, West Bloomfield, and surrounding areas.

What’s in Your Water? Understanding City Water Quality in Bloomfield Hills & Surrounding Areas

November 13, 2025

If you live in Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, or West Bloomfield, your home is most likely connected to a municipal water supply. While city water meets federal safety standards, “safe” doesn’t always mean clean or healthy.

Across Southeast Michigan, homeowners often encounter trace amounts of chlorine, chloramine, and even industrial contaminants like PFAS — commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” These compounds may not make your water unsafe to drink immediately, but long-term exposure can affect both your health and your home’s plumbing.

At Thornton & Grooms, we believe you deserve more than “good enough.” Here’s what you should know about local water quality — and how our whole-home filtration and Sterling reverse osmosis systems can help protect your family.

Why Are There Chemicals in Our Local Water?

Municipal water treatment facilities use chemical disinfectants to prevent the spread of disease. While these chemicals protect public health, they can also leave behind byproducts and unwanted residues.

Here are some of the most common water additives and contaminants found in Oakland County city water:

Chlorine: Kills bacteria and viruses, but can dry out your skin and hair.
Chloramine: A chlorine-ammonia compound that’s longer-lasting but may irritate the lungs and damage rubber plumbing parts.
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): Persistent industrial chemicals linked to long-term health effects.
Pharmaceutical residues: Traces of medications that pass through wastewater systems.
Disinfection byproducts (THMs, HAAs): Potentially carcinogenic compounds formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These compounds enter the water supply from sources such as gas stations, industrial sites, or agricultural runoff.

Even at low concentrations, chronic exposure to these contaminants can raise health concerns — especially for children, pregnant women, and those with autoimmune sensitivities.

How These Chemicals Impact Your Home and Health

Even when city water meets EPA guidelines, the effects of ongoing exposure can include:

Respiratory irritation from chlorine vapors during showers.
Dry skin and brittle hair due to harsh chemical content.
Wear and tear on plumbing fixtures from chloramine corrosion.
Increased cancer risk from long-term exposure to disinfection byproducts.
Digestive or skin sensitivities in sensitive individuals.

The good news? You can take control of what comes out of your tap — and enjoy better water from every faucet in your home.

The Solution: Whole-Home Carbon Filtration + Sterling 5‑Stage Reverse Osmosis

At Thornton & Grooms, we recommend a two-tiered approach for homeowners in the Bloomfield Hills area:

1. Whole-Home Carbon Filtration System

Installed at your home’s water entry point, this system removes:

Chlorine and chloramine
Pesticides, herbicides, and VOCs
Unpleasant taste and odor
Disinfection byproducts

Benefits include:

Clean, chemical-free water from every tap
Softer skin and hair after showers
Longer-lasting plumbing and appliances
Improved indoor air quality by reducing chlorine vapor

2. Sterling 5‑Stage Reverse Osmosis (RO) System

The Sterling QCRO Series filters water at the molecular level, removing up to 98% of contaminants, including:

Total dissolved solids (TDS)
Lead, fluoride, and PFAS
Chlorine, pesticides, and other impurities

Key advantages:

Non-electric operation for efficiency
NSF/ANSI-certified performance
Fresh, great-tasting drinking water on demand

Together, these systems provide the cleanest, safest water possible — for your drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning needs.

Serving Bloomfield Hills & Oakland County Homes

Our licensed plumbers and water specialists proudly serve Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, Beverly Hills, West Bloomfield, Royal Oak, and surrounding communities.

Whether you’re noticing unusual odors, dry skin, or simply want peace of mind about your home’s water quality, we’re here to help. Schedule a free in-home water test and see the difference advanced filtration can make for your home and health.