Is Fox Lake, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.4/100
waterverge.com Fox Lake, WI — Water Quality Report
Fox Lake's drinking water received a grade of B (75.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,460 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 106 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fox Lake's water
Fox Lake ranks #320 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Fox Lake 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fox Lake, WI water safe to drink?
Fox Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,460 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fox Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fox Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Fox Lake'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
Fox Lake's water system has 106 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dane County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Yahara River, Sixmile Creek, Sixmile Creek @ County Trnk Hghwy M Nr Waunakee,Wi, Dorn (Spring) Creek @ Ct Highway Q Nr Waunakee, Dorn (Spring) Creek.
Where does Fox Lake's water come from?
Fox Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,460 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yahara River (river), Sixmile Creek (river), Sixmile Creek @ County Trnk Hghwy M Nr Waunakee,Wi (river), Dorn (Spring) Creek @ Ct Highway Q Nr Waunakee (river), Dorn (Spring) Creek (river).
What Fox Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fox Lake'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.
Fox Lake'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 Fox Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fox Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 72,047 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SAPUTO CHEESE USA INC WAUPUN, WI53963 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 72,047 | 9.7 mi |
BURGESS-NORTON MANUFACTURING CO PLANT 4 BEAVER DAM, WI53916 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
APACHE STAINLESS EQUIPMENT CORP BEAVER DAM, WI53916 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
METALCRAFT OF MAYVILLE BEAVER DAM FACILITY BEAVER DAM, WI53916 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
DIDION ETHANOL LLC CAMBRIA, WI53923 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Dane County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Fox Lake'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. | 1.55 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fox Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Fox Lake ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fox Lake's water comes from
Fox Lake'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 state ownership and serves approximately 3,460 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fox Lake
Fox Lake is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fox Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOX LAKE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION | WI1140144 | 1,850 | GW |
| FOX LAKE WATERWORKS | WI1140145 | 1,610 | GW |
How Fox Lake compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Fox Lake's score of 75.4/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Fox Lake, WI
Wikipedia →Madison is the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is the second-most populous city in the state, with a population of 269,840 at the 2020 census. The Madison metropolitan area has an estimated 708,000 residents. With a downtown centrally located on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, the city also encompasses Lake Wingra. Madison was founded in 1836 and is named after American Founding Father and President James Madison. It is the county seat of Dane County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fox Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dodge
Frequently asked questions
Is Fox Lake, WI tap water safe to drink?
Fox Lake's water quality earned a grade of B (75.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #320 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Fox Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 106 violations are on record.
How is Fox Lake'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 Fox Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fox Lake's water come from?
Fox Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,460 residents.
What health violations has Fox Lake's water system had?
Fox Lake has 6 health-based violations 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. 21 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fox Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fox Lake 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 106 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 Fox Lake's water compare to other cities?
Fox Lake ranks #320 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 28% of state cities) and #9588 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.