Is Amherst, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Manganese was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
76.9/100
waterverge.com Amherst, WI — Water Quality Report
Amherst's drinking water received a grade of B (76.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,119 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Amherst's water
Amherst ranks #300 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Amherst 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Amherst may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Amherst, WI water safe to drink?
Amherst's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,119 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Amherst
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Amherst's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.9/100).
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-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Amherst's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Amherst's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Portage County has experienced 4 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. Local water sources include Tomorrow River.
Where does Amherst's water come from?
Amherst's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,119 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tomorrow River (river).
What Amherst residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Amherst'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.
Amherst'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 Amherst
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Amherst, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OLDCASTLE LAWN & GARDEN AMHERST JUNCTION, WI54407 | — | — | 2.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Portage County has experienced 4 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 Amherst'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Amherst compares by contaminant
Explore where Amherst ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Amherst's water comes from
Amherst'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 1,119 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Amherst
Amherst is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Amherst
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMHERST WATERWORKS | WI7500094 | 1,119 | GW |
How Amherst compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Amherst's score of 76.9/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Amherst, WI
Wikipedia →Amherst is a village in Portage County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,117 in the 2020 census. Amherst is at the core of the Tomorrow Valley area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Amherst's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Portage
Frequently asked questions
Is Amherst, WI tap water safe to drink?
Amherst's water quality earned a grade of B (76.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #300 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Amherst's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Amherst'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 Amherst?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Amherst's water come from?
Amherst's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,119 residents.
What health violations has Amherst's water system had?
Amherst has 1 health-based violation 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Amherst's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Amherst 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 6 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 Amherst's water compare to other cities?
Amherst ranks #300 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 33% of state cities) and #9159 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Amherst's small water system affect quality?
Amherst's system serves approximately 1,119 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 6 violations on record.