Is Clayton, 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 ↓
73.7/100
waterverge.com Clayton, WI — Water Quality Report
Clayton's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 765 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 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 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clayton's water
Clayton ranks #333 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Clayton 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, Clayton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clayton, WI water safe to drink?
Clayton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 765 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clayton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clayton's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clayton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Clayton's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Clayton's water come from?
Clayton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 765 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Clayton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clayton'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.
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 Clayton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clayton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FOREMOST FARMS USA CLAYTON, WI54004 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
ADVANCED FOOD PRODUCTS LLC CLEAR LAKE, WI54005 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
SAPUTO CHEESE USA INC ALMENA, WI54805 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
WISCONSIN WHEY PROTEIN TURTLE LAKE, WI54889 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Clayton'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. | 4.3 | 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. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.000 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Clayton compares by contaminant
Explore where Clayton ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clayton's water comes from
Clayton'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 765 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Clayton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLAYTON WATERWORKS | WI6490334 | 765 | GW |
How Clayton compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Clayton's score of 73.7/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Clayton, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clayton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Clayton, WI tap water safe to drink?
Clayton's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #333 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Clayton's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Clayton'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 Clayton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clayton's water come from?
Clayton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 765 residents.
What health violations has Clayton's water system had?
Clayton 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clayton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clayton 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 5 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 Clayton's water compare to other cities?
Clayton ranks #333 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 25% of state cities) and #10043 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clayton's small water system affect quality?
Clayton's system serves approximately 765 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 5 violations on record.