WaterVerge

Is Durand, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: WI6470107
Overall Score
91.5 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#49 of 446 in Wisconsin Top 11% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
91.5/100
waterverge.com
A 91.5/100

Durand, WI — Water Quality Report

Durand's drinking water received a grade of A (91.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,928 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Durand's water

Durand ranks #49 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
91.5 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.5/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Durand, WI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Durand's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,928 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Durand

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Durand's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

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: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Disaster
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1369). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Durand's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2010 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2004 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2001 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Oct 1998 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 1993 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Pepin County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Chippewa River.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3249
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA DR-1369
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-964

Where does Durand's water come from?

Durand's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,928 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chippewa River (river).

What Durand residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Durand's water.

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Durand'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

8
Total violations
0
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Oct 2010
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

8 Total
3 Active
0 Health-based
5 Resolved
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
2
Oct 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 1993 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2001
Oct 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1998
Jul 1993 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1994
Jan 1993 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Pepin County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3249
May 2001
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #1369
Sep 1992
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #964
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #376
May 1969
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #260

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 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 decreased by 1.7 ppb from 1993 (1.7 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,928
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Durand's water comes from

Groundwater

Durand'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 1,928 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Durand

Durand is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Chippewa River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Durand

System Name PWSID Population Source
DURAND WATERWORKS WI6470107 1,868 GW
WHISPERING PINES MHP WI6470140 60 GW
Regional Comparison

How Durand compares

Full Wisconsin rankings →

Durand's score of 91.5/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Durand (this city)
91.5
Milwaukee
90.2
Madison
35.4
Racine
69.5
Kenosha
45.8
Wisconsin avg
65
City Profile

About Durand, WI

Wikipedia →

Durand is a city in and the county seat of Pepin County, Wisconsin, United States. Situated on the banks of the Chippewa River approximately 15 miles (24 km) from its confluence with the Mississippi River, the city borders the Town of Durand. The population was 1,854 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$54,237
Median Income
$126,732
Median Home Value
$702/mo
Median Rent
1.7%
Unemployment
Community
46.9
Median Age
383
People / sq mi
25.3%
College Educated
73.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Durand, WI tap water safe to drink?

Durand's water quality earned a grade of A (91.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #49 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.

What contaminants are in Durand's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.

How is Durand'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 Durand?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Durand's water come from?

Durand's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,928 residents.

Is Durand's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Durand 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 8 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 Durand's water compare to other cities?

Durand ranks #49 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 89% of state cities) and #1657 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.