WaterVerge

Is Cedar Grove, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: WI4600437
Overall Score
90 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#87 of 446 in Wisconsin Top 16% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
90/100
waterverge.com
A 90/100

Cedar Grove, WI — Water Quality Report

Cedar Grove's drinking water received a grade of A (90 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,213 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 8.9 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 52 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Cedar Grove's water

Cedar Grove ranks #87 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Cedar Grove 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, Cedar Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
90 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 8.9 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Cedar Grove, WI water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Cedar Grove's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,213 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
8.9 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Cedar Grove

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cedar Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90/100).

Violation
4 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: 2,3,7,8-TCDD.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-775). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cedar Grove's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 8.9 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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

Cedar Grove's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Sep 2014 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved
Sep 2014 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved
Sep 2014 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved
Sep 2014 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved
Jan 2014 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Sheboygan 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.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3249
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-775
SEVERE STORMS, ICING, WIND & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-496

Where does Cedar Grove's water come from?

Cedar Grove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,213 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Cedar Grove residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Cedar Grove'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
8.9 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 59% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

52
Total violations
2
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Sep 2014
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

52 Total
1 Active
2 Health-based
51 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
42
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
1
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 2014 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2014
Sep 2014 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2014
Sep 2014 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2014
Sep 2014 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2014
Jan 2014 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Jan 2014 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Jan 1999 Resolved
2,3,7,8-TCDD
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1999
Jul 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1997
Jan 1996 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Showing 20 of 52 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Cedar Grove

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cedar Grove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 1,749 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
ACTUS NUTRITION-ADELL
Food · MILK SPECIALTIES GLOBAL
ADELL, WI53001
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)1,7497.4 mi
CEDAR VALLEY CHEESE
Food · NA
BELGIUM, WI53004
6.6 mi
WILLMAN INDUSTRIES INC
Primary Metals · NA
CEDAR GROVE, WI53013
0.1 mi
DUTCHLAND PLASTICS LLC.
Plastics and Rubber · TANK HOLDING CORP
OOSTBURG, WI53070
4.3 mi
ALDRICH CHEMICAL CO LLC
Chemicals · EMD HOLDING CORP
SHEBOYGAN FALLS, WI53085
7.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Sheboygan 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.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3249
Oct 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #775
Mar 1976
SEVERE STORMS, ICING, WIND & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #496
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #376

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Cedar Grove's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 8.9 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 8.9 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 8.9 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2023 (8.9 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,213
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Cedar Grove's water comes from

Groundwater

Cedar Grove'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 2,213 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Cedar Grove

System Name PWSID Population Source
CEDAR GROVE WATERWORKS WI4600437 2,213 GW
Regional Comparison

How Cedar Grove compares

Full Wisconsin rankings →

Cedar Grove's score of 90/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Cedar Grove (this city)
90
Milwaukee
90.2
Madison
35.4
Racine
69.5
Kenosha
45.8
Wisconsin avg
65
City Profile

About Cedar Grove, WI

Wikipedia →

Cedar Grove is a village in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, United States, within the Town of Holland. The population was 2,101 at the 2020 census. It is included in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$85,724
Median Income
$200,370
Median Home Value
$856/mo
Median Rent
2.2%
Unemployment
Community
39.6
Median Age
430
People / sq mi
24%
College Educated
85.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Cedar Grove, WI tap water safe to drink?

Cedar Grove's water quality earned a grade of A (90/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #87 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.

What contaminants are in Cedar Grove's water?

Lead was measured at 8.9 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.

How is Cedar Grove'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 Cedar Grove?

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 Cedar Grove's water come from?

Cedar Grove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,213 residents.

What health violations has Cedar Grove's water system had?

Cedar Grove has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Cedar Grove's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Cedar Grove 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 52 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 Cedar Grove's water compare to other cities?

Cedar Grove ranks #87 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 80% of state cities) and #2473 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Cedar Grove's small water system affect quality?

Cedar Grove's system serves approximately 2,213 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 52 violations on record.