Is Bay City, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Bay City, WI — Water Quality Report
Bay City's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 549 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 34 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bay City's water
Bay City ranks #116 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Bay City 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, Bay City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bay City, WI water safe to drink?
Bay City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 549 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bay City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bay City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1369). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bay City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bay City's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pierce County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Mississippi River.
Where does Bay City's water come from?
Bay City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 549 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River (river).
What Bay City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bay City'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.
Bay City'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 Bay City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bay City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MEYER UTILITY STRUCTURES LLC PLT NO 1663 HAGER CITY, WI54014 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
DOVER ENGINEERED PRODUCTS SEGMENT INC. RED WING, MN55066 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
409 - REDWING OILSEEDS PLANT RED WING, MN55066 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
RED WING SHOE PLANT 2 RED WING, MN55066 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
S B FOOT TANNING CO RED WING, MN55066 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Pierce County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bay City compares by contaminant
Explore where Bay City ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bay City's water comes from
Bay City'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 549 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bay City
Bay City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bay City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAY CITY WATERWORKS | WI6480153 | 499 | GW |
| COUNTRY MANOR APTS | WI6480403 | 50 | GW |
How Bay City compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Bay City's score of 88/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Bay City, WI
Wikipedia →Bay City is a village on the Mississippi River in Pierce County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 441 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bay City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pierce
Frequently asked questions
Is Bay City, WI tap water safe to drink?
Bay City's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #116 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Bay City's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.
How is Bay City'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 Bay City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bay City's water come from?
Bay City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 549 residents.
What health violations has Bay City's water system had?
Bay City has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bay City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bay City 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 34 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 Bay City's water compare to other cities?
Bay City ranks #116 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 74% of state cities) and #3740 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.