Is Footville, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.1/100
waterverge.com Footville, WI — Water Quality Report
Footville's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 816 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 10 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Footville's water
Footville ranks #150 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Footville 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, Footville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Footville, WI water safe to drink?
Footville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 816 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Footville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Footville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-496). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Footville'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
Footville's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rock County has experienced 3 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. Local water sources include Rock River.
Where does Footville's water come from?
Footville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 816 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rock River (river).
What Footville 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.
Footville'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 Footville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Footville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KUHN N.A. INC. BRODHEAD, WI53520 | Manganese | 3 | 9.7 mi |
BAKER MANUFACTURING CO EVANSVILLE, WI53536 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
STOUGHTON TRAILERS LLC-PLANT 7 EVANSVILLE, WI53536 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
BLUESCOPE BUILDINGS NA EVANSVILLE, WI53536 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
ABITEC CORP JANESVILLE PLANT JANESVILLE, WI53546 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Footville
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- JANESVILLE ASH BEDS9.4 mi
- JANESVILLE OLD LANDFILL9.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Rock County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Footville'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.73 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.731 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Footville compares by contaminant
Explore where Footville ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Footville's water comes from
Footville'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 816 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Footville
Footville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Footville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOOTVILLE WATERWORKS | WI1540125 | 816 | GW |
How Footville compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Footville's score of 86.1/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Footville, WI
Wikipedia →Footville is a village in Rock County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 772 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Footville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rock
Frequently asked questions
Is Footville, WI tap water safe to drink?
Footville's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #150 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Footville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Footville'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 Footville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Footville's water come from?
Footville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 816 residents.
What health violations has Footville's water system had?
Footville 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Footville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Footville 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 10 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 Footville's water compare to other cities?
Footville ranks #150 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 66% of state cities) and #4946 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Footville's small water system affect quality?
Footville's system serves approximately 816 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 10 violations on record.