Is Camp Douglas, 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 ↓
76.3/100
waterverge.com Camp Douglas, WI — Water Quality Report
Camp Douglas's drinking water received a grade of B (76.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,040 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.3 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 21 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Camp Douglas's water
Camp Douglas ranks #312 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Camp Douglas 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, Camp Douglas may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Camp Douglas, WI water safe to drink?
Camp Douglas's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,040 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Camp Douglas
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Camp Douglas's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.3/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4288). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Camp Douglas'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Camp Douglas's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Juneau County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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 Lemonweir River.
Where does Camp Douglas's water come from?
Camp Douglas's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,040 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lemonweir River (river).
What Camp Douglas residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Camp Douglas'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.
Camp Douglas'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 Camp Douglas
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Camp Douglas, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LEER INC MERCHANDISER DIV NEW LISBON, WI53950 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
WABASH (WALKER STAINLESS EQUIPMENT CO) NEW LISBON, WI53950 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
US DOD, USAF, VOLK FIELD CRTC CAMP DOUGLAS, WI54618 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Juneau County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1992. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Camp Douglas'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. | 6.3 | 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. | 1.75 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Camp Douglas compares by contaminant
Explore where Camp Douglas ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Camp Douglas's water comes from
Camp Douglas'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 1,040 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Camp Douglas
Camp Douglas is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Camp Douglas
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMP DOUGLAS WATERWORKS | WI7290121 | 640 | GW |
| WI AIR NATIONAL GUARD VOLK FIELD | WI7290120 | 400 | GW |
How Camp Douglas compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Camp Douglas's score of 76.3/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Camp Douglas, WI
Wikipedia →Camp Douglas is a village in Juneau County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 647 at the 2020 census, up from 601 at the 2010 census. Camp Douglas is home to Volk Field Air National Guard Base.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Camp Douglas's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Juneau
Frequently asked questions
Is Camp Douglas, WI tap water safe to drink?
Camp Douglas's water quality earned a grade of B (76.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #312 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Camp Douglas's water?
Lead was measured at 6.3 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Camp Douglas'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 Camp Douglas?
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 Camp Douglas's water come from?
Camp Douglas's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,040 residents.
What health violations has Camp Douglas's water system had?
Camp Douglas has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Camp Douglas's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Camp Douglas 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 21 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 Camp Douglas's water compare to other cities?
Camp Douglas ranks #312 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 30% of state cities) and #9343 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.