Is Hobart, 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 ↓
70.2/100
waterverge.com Hobart, WI — Water Quality Report
Hobart's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 4,831 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 36 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hobart's water
Hobart ranks #345 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hobart, WI water safe to drink?
Hobart's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 4,831 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hobart
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hobart's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.2/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-376). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hobart'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
Hobart's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Brown County has experienced 2 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 Silver Creek, Duck Creek, Fox River, Ashwaubenon Creek, Dutchman Creek.
Where does Hobart's water come from?
Hobart's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 4,831 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Silver Creek (river), Duck Creek (river), Fox River (river), Ashwaubenon Creek (river), Dutchman Creek (river).
What Hobart residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hobart'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.
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 Hobart
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hobart, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 230,513 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEORGIA-PACIFIC BROADWAY LLC GREEN BAY, WI54304 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 230,457 | 5.8 mi |
SANIMAX USA LLC GREEN BAY, WI54303 | Ammonia | 56 | 4.6 mi |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE PAPER PRODUCTS CO GREEN BAY, WI54302 | Lead | 0 | 7.7 mi |
THE C.A. LAWTON CO. FOUNDRY OPERATIONS DE PERE, WI54115 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
NATIONAL CARWASH SOLUTIONS DE PERE, WI54115 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Hobart
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BETTER BRITE PLATING CO CHROME AND ZINC SHOPS5.6 mi
- FOX RIVER NRDA PCB RELEASES8.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Brown County has experienced 2 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 Hobart'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. | 0.3 | 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. | 1.84 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.840 mg/L (1997)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Hobart compares by contaminant
Explore where Hobart ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hobart's water comes from
Hobart's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 4,831 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Hobart
Hobart is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Hobart
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOBART WATERWORKS S A 1 | WI4051698 | 3,670 | SWP |
| HOBART WATERWORKS S A 3 | WI4052077 | 658 | SWP |
| HOBART WATERWORKS S A 2 | WI4051769 | 450 | SWP |
| HOBART WATERWORKS S A 4 | WI4052639 | 53 | SWP |
How Hobart compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Hobart's score of 70.2/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Hobart, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hobart's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Brown
Frequently asked questions
Is Hobart, WI tap water safe to drink?
Hobart's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #345 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Hobart's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Hobart'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 Hobart?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hobart's water come from?
Hobart's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 4,831 residents.
What health violations has Hobart's water system had?
Hobart has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hobart's water compare to other cities?
Hobart ranks #345 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 23% of state cities) and #10784 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.