Is Friendship, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.4/100
waterverge.com Friendship, WI — Water Quality Report
Friendship's drinking water received a grade of B (79.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 979 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 52 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Friendship's water
Friendship ranks #270 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Friendship purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Friendship may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Friendship, WI water safe to drink?
Friendship's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 979 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Friendship
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Friendship's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.4/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4288). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Friendship's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Friendship's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Adams County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2001. 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 Wisconsin R Below Castle Rock Dam Nr Mauston.
Where does Friendship's water come from?
Friendship's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 979 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wisconsin R Below Castle Rock Dam Nr Mauston (river).
What Friendship residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Friendship'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.
Friendship'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 Friendship
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Friendship, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FRIENDSHIP FRIENDSHIP, WI53934 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
FCI OXFORD GRAND MARSH, WI53936 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Adams County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2001. 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Friendship compares by contaminant
Explore where Friendship ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Friendship's water comes from
Friendship purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Friendship's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 979 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Friendship
Friendship is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Friendship
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRIENDSHIP WATERWORKS | WI7010110 | 781 | GWP |
| WESTWIND ESTATES | WI7010072 | 160 | GW |
| PRESTON PINES | WI7010114 | 38 | GW |
How Friendship compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Friendship's score of 79.4/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Friendship, WI
Wikipedia →Adams is a city in Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,761 at the 2020 census. The city is located within the Town of Adams.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Friendship's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adams
Frequently asked questions
Is Friendship, WI tap water safe to drink?
Friendship's water quality earned a grade of B (79.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #270 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Friendship's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is Friendship'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 Friendship?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Friendship's water come from?
Friendship's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 979 residents.
What health violations has Friendship's water system had?
Friendship 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Friendship's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Friendship 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 52 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 Friendship's water compare to other cities?
Friendship ranks #270 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 39% of state cities) and #8276 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.