Is Gillett, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94.1/100
waterverge.com Gillett, WI — Water Quality Report
Gillett's drinking water received a grade of A (94.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,264 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gillett's water
Gillett ranks #15 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Gillett 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, Gillett may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gillett, WI water safe to drink?
Gillett's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,264 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gillett
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gillett's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4459). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Radium-228.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gillett's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gillett's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Oconto 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 Oconto River.
Where does Gillett's water come from?
Gillett's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,264 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Oconto River (river).
What Gillett 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.
Gillett'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 Gillett
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gillett, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,695 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ST PAPER-OCONTO FALLS OCONTO FALLS, WI54154 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,695 | 8.0 mi |
CARFAIR COMPOSITES USA INC - GILLETT GILLETT, WI54124 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Oconto 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.
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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gillett compares by contaminant
Explore where Gillett ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gillett's water comes from
Gillett'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 1,264 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gillett
Gillett is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gillett
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GILLETT WATERWORKS | WI4430490 | 1,264 | GW |
How Gillett compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Gillett's score of 94.1/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Gillett, WI
Wikipedia →Gillett is a city in Oconto County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,289 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Green Bay metropolitan area. The city is adjacent to the Town of Gillett.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gillett's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oconto
Frequently asked questions
Is Gillett, WI tap water safe to drink?
Gillett's water quality earned a grade of A (94.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #15 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Gillett's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Gillett'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 Gillett?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gillett's water come from?
Gillett's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,264 residents.
Is Gillett's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gillett 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 12 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 Gillett's water compare to other cities?
Gillett ranks #15 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 97% of state cities) and #622 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gillett's small water system affect quality?
Gillett's system serves approximately 1,264 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 12 violations on record.