Is Highland, 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 ↓
91.2/100
waterverge.com Highland, WI — Water Quality Report
Highland's drinking water received a grade of A (91.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 842 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 7 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Highland's water
Highland ranks #57 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Highland 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, Highland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Highland, WI water safe to drink?
Highland's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 842 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Highland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Highland's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.2/100).
Contaminants: Radium-228.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Highland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Highland's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Iowa County has experienced 2 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 Wisconsin River.
Where does Highland's water come from?
Highland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 842 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 River (river).
What Highland 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.
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 Highland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Highland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MUSCODA PROTEIN PRODUCTS MUSCODA, WI53573 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
SCOT INDUSTRIES INC MUSCODA, WI53573 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Iowa County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Highland compares by contaminant
Explore where Highland ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Highland's water comes from
Highland'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 842 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Highland
Highland is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Highland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIGHLAND WATERWORKS | WI1250080 | 842 | GW |
How Highland compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Highland's score of 91.2/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Highland, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Highland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iowa
Frequently asked questions
Is Highland, WI tap water safe to drink?
Highland's water quality earned a grade of A (91.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #57 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Highland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Highland'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 Highland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Highland's water come from?
Highland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 842 residents.
What health violations has Highland's water system had?
Highland has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2009. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Highland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Highland 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 7 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 Highland's water compare to other cities?
Highland ranks #57 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 87% of state cities) and #1837 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Highland's small water system affect quality?
Highland's system serves approximately 842 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 7 violations on record.