Is Abbotsford, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79/100
waterverge.com Abbotsford, WI — Water Quality Report
Abbotsford's drinking water received a grade of B (79 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,502 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 67 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Abbotsford's water
Abbotsford ranks #276 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Abbotsford relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Abbotsford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Abbotsford, WI water safe to drink?
Abbotsford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,502 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Abbotsford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Abbotsford's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4459). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4383). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Abbotsford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Abbotsford's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clark County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Abbotsford's water come from?
Abbotsford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,502 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Abbotsford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Abbotsford's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Abbotsford's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Abbotsford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Abbotsford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALL METAL STAMPING INC. ABBOTSFORD, WI54405 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
HENRY G MEIGS ABBOTSFORD, WI54405 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
COLBY METAL INC COLBY, WI54421 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
FOREMOST FARMS USA ATHENS, WI54411 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
LAND O'LAKES PURINA FEED LLC-SPENCER SPENCER, WI54479 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Abbotsford
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- UNITY AUTO MART6.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Clark County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Abbotsford's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 3.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.86 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.860 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Abbotsford compares by contaminant
Explore where Abbotsford ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Abbotsford's water comes from
Abbotsford's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,502 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Abbotsford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABBOTSFORD WATERWORKS | WI7370148 | 2,502 | GW |
How Abbotsford compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Abbotsford's score of 79/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Abbotsford, WI
Wikipedia →Abbotsford is a city in Clark and Marathon counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 2,275 at the 2020 census. Of this, 1,665 were in Clark County, and 610 were in Marathon County. Abbotsford is nicknamed "Wisconsin's First City" due to its alphabetical place on a list of Wisconsin cities.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Abbotsford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marathon
Frequently asked questions
Is Abbotsford, WI tap water safe to drink?
Abbotsford's water quality earned a grade of B (79/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #276 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Abbotsford's water?
Lead was measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Abbotsford's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Abbotsford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Abbotsford's water come from?
Abbotsford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,502 residents.
What health violations has Abbotsford's water system had?
Abbotsford has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Abbotsford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Abbotsford uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 67 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Abbotsford's water compare to other cities?
Abbotsford ranks #276 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 38% of state cities) and #8431 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Abbotsford's small water system affect quality?
Abbotsford's system serves approximately 2,502 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 67 violations on record.