Is Genoa City, 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 ↓
73.3/100
waterverge.com Genoa City, WI — Water Quality Report
Genoa City's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,766 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.6 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 92 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Genoa City's water
Genoa City ranks #336 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Genoa City 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, Genoa City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Genoa City, WI water safe to drink?
Genoa City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,766 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Genoa City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Genoa City's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Genoa City'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
Genoa City's water system has 92 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Walworth 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 White River, Fox River, Nippersink Lake, Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake, Elizabeth Lake Drain Nr Twin Lakes, Wi-Il.
Where does Genoa City's water come from?
Genoa City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,766 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White River (river), Fox River (river), Nippersink Lake (lake), Nippersink Creek Above Wonder Lake (river), Elizabeth Lake Drain Nr Twin Lakes, Wi-Il (river).
What Genoa City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Genoa City'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.
Genoa City'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 Genoa City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Genoa City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 9 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SCOT FORGE CO SPRING GROVE, IL60081 | Nickel | 9 | 5.7 mi |
BRUNK INDUSTRIES INC. LAKE GENEVA, WI53147 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
WISCONSIN PRECISION CASTING CORP LAKE GENEVA, WI53147 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
R&L SPRING CO LAKE GENEVA, WI53147 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
STELLANA US LAKE GENEVA, WI53147 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Walworth 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 Genoa City'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. | 4.6 | 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. | 2.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.350 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Genoa City compares by contaminant
Explore where Genoa City ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Genoa City's water comes from
Genoa City'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 2,766 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Genoa City
Genoa City is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Genoa City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GENOA CITY WATERWORKS | WI2650058 | 2,766 | GW |
How Genoa City compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Genoa City's score of 73.3/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Genoa City, WI
Wikipedia →Genoa City is a village located in Kenosha and Walworth counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, 43 mi (69 km) south-southwest of Milwaukee, located on the Illinois–Wisconsin border. The population was 2,982 at the 2020 census. It was named after Genoa, New York, which was named after Genoa, Italy.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Genoa City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Walworth
Frequently asked questions
Is Genoa City, WI tap water safe to drink?
Genoa City's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #336 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Genoa City's water?
Lead was measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile). 92 violations are on record.
How is Genoa City'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 Genoa City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Genoa City's water come from?
Genoa City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,766 residents.
What health violations has Genoa City's water system had?
Genoa City has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Genoa City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Genoa City 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 92 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 Genoa City's water compare to other cities?
Genoa City ranks #336 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 25% of state cities) and #10103 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.
Does Genoa City's small water system affect quality?
Genoa City's system serves approximately 2,766 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 92 violations on record.