Is Eagle River, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.6/100
waterverge.com Eagle River, WI — Water Quality Report
Eagle River's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,605 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 20 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Eagle River's water
Eagle River ranks #334 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Eagle River 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, Eagle River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Eagle River, WI water safe to drink?
Eagle River's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,605 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Eagle River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eagle River's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1284). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Eagle River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Eagle River's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Vilas County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Eagle River's water come from?
Eagle River's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,605 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Eagle River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Eagle River'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.
Eagle River'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
Flood & disaster history
Vilas County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Eagle River compares by contaminant
Explore where Eagle River ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Eagle River's water comes from
Eagle River'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 1,605 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Eagle River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAGLE RIVER WATERWORKS | WI7640113 | 1,530 | GW |
| BALTIC RENTALS LLC | WI7640083 | 75 | GW |
How Eagle River compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Eagle River's score of 73.6/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Eagle River, WI
Wikipedia →Eagle River is a city and the county seat of Vilas County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,628 at the 2020 census. Because of the many lakes in the area, the city is a popular vacation and retirement destination. The area contains many condominiums, seasonal vacation homes, and hunting cabins.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Eagle River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Vilas
Frequently asked questions
Is Eagle River, WI tap water safe to drink?
Eagle River's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #334 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Eagle River's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Eagle River'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 Eagle River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Eagle River's water come from?
Eagle River's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,605 residents.
What health violations has Eagle River's water system had?
Eagle River has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Eagle River's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Eagle River 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 20 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 Eagle River's water compare to other cities?
Eagle River ranks #334 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 25% of state cities) and #10051 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.