Is Black Earth, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.3/100
waterverge.com Black Earth, WI — Water Quality Report
Black Earth's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,493 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 12 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Black Earth's water
Black Earth ranks #165 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Black Earth 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, Black Earth may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Black Earth, WI water safe to drink?
Black Earth's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,493 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Black Earth
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Black Earth's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Radium-228.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Black Earth's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Black Earth's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dane County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Black Earth Creek Nr Brewery, Brewery Creek-Upstream Site-At Cross Plains, Black Earth Ck Nr Treatment Plnt @ Cross Plains,Wi, Black Earth Creek.
Where does Black Earth's water come from?
Black Earth's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,493 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black Earth Creek Nr Brewery (river), Brewery Creek-Upstream Site-At Cross Plains (river), Black Earth Ck Nr Treatment Plnt @ Cross Plains,Wi (river), Black Earth Creek (river).
What Black Earth residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Black Earth'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.
Black Earth'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 Black Earth
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Black Earth, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
COATING PLACE INC. SAUK CITY SAUK CITY, WI53583 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Black Earth
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.
- REFUSE HIDEAWAY LANDFILL8.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Dane County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Black Earth compares by contaminant
Explore where Black Earth ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Black Earth's water comes from
Black Earth'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 1,493 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Black Earth
Black Earth is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Black Earth
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK EARTH WATERWORKS | WI1130211 | 1,493 | GW |
How Black Earth compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Black Earth's score of 85.3/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Black Earth, WI
Wikipedia →Black Earth is a village in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,493 at the 2020 census. The village is located within the Town of Black Earth. It is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Black Earth's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dane
Frequently asked questions
Is Black Earth, WI tap water safe to drink?
Black Earth's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #165 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Black Earth's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Black Earth'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 Black Earth?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Black Earth's water come from?
Black Earth's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,493 residents.
What health violations has Black Earth's water system had?
Black Earth has 4 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Black Earth's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Black Earth 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 12 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 Black Earth's water compare to other cities?
Black Earth ranks #165 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 63% of state cities) and #5399 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Black Earth's small water system affect quality?
Black Earth's system serves approximately 1,493 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 12 violations on record.