Is Cornell, 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 ↓
91.7/100
waterverge.com Cornell, WI — Water Quality Report
Cornell's drinking water received a grade of A (91.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,390 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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 12 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Cornell's water
Cornell ranks #42 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Cornell 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, Cornell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cornell, WI water safe to drink?
Cornell's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,390 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cornell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cornell's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4288). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Cornell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cornell's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chippewa County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Cornell's water come from?
Cornell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,390 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cornell residents can do
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.
Cornell'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 Cornell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cornell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 16,498 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASSOCIATED MILK PRODUCERS INC. JIM FALLS, WI54748 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 16,498 | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Chippewa County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 2.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cornell compares by contaminant
Explore where Cornell ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cornell's water comes from
Cornell'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 1,390 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cornell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CORNELL WATERWORKS | WI6090458 | 1,390 | GW |
How Cornell compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Cornell's score of 91.7/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Cornell, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cornell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chippewa
Frequently asked questions
Is Cornell, WI tap water safe to drink?
Cornell's water quality earned a grade of A (91.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #42 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Cornell's water?
Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Cornell'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 Cornell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cornell's water come from?
Cornell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,390 residents.
What health violations has Cornell's water system had?
Cornell has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Cornell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cornell 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 Cornell's water compare to other cities?
Cornell ranks #42 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 91% of state cities) and #1541 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cornell's small water system affect quality?
Cornell's system serves approximately 1,390 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.