Is Florence, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
48.4/100
waterverge.com Florence, WI — Water Quality Report
Florence's drinking water received a grade of D (48.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,280 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.1 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 16 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Florence's water
Florence ranks #418 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Florence 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, Florence may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Florence, WI water safe to drink?
Florence's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,280 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Florence
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Florence's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.4/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Groundwater Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater 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 Florence's water supply.
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
Florence's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Florence County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Brule River, Paint River, Menominee River, Pine River Below Pine R Powerplant Nr Florence.
Where does Florence's water come from?
Florence's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,280 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Brule River (river), Paint River (river), Menominee River (river), Pine River Below Pine R Powerplant Nr Florence (river).
What Florence residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Florence'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
Flood & disaster history
Florence County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1999. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Florence'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. | 8.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Florence compares by contaminant
Explore where Florence ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Florence's water comes from
Florence'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 1,280 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Florence
Florence is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Florence
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLORENCE UTILITY COMMISSION | WI4190155 | 1,250 | GW |
| KEYES LAKE MOBILE HOME PARK | WI4190087 | 30 | GW |
How Florence compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Florence's score of 48.4/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Florence, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Florence's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Florence
Frequently asked questions
Is Florence, WI tap water safe to drink?
Florence's water quality earned a grade of D (48.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #418 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Florence's water?
Lead was measured at 8.1 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Florence'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 Florence?
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 Florence's water come from?
Florence's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,280 residents.
What health violations has Florence's water system had?
Florence has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Florence's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Florence 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 16 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 Florence's water compare to other cities?
Florence ranks #418 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 6% of state cities) and #13460 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.