Is Hurley, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.5/100
waterverge.com Hurley, WI — Water Quality Report
Hurley's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,515 residents using purchased ground 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 17 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hurley's water
Hurley ranks #254 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hurley 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, Hurley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hurley, WI water safe to drink?
Hurley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,515 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hurley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hurley's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.5/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4383). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hurley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hurley's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Iron County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Black River.
Where does Hurley's water come from?
Hurley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,515 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black River (river).
What Hurley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hurley'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.
Hurley'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 Hurley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hurley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BURTON INDUSTRIES INC IRONWOOD, MI49938 | — | — | 3.6 mi |
WAUPACA FOUNDRY INC. PLANT 1 (IRONWOOD) IRONWOOD, MI49938 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Iron County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hurley compares by contaminant
Explore where Hurley ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hurley's water comes from
Hurley 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 Hurley'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 1,515 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hurley
Hurley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hurley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HURLEY WATERWORKS | WI8260116 | 1,515 | GWP |
How Hurley compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Hurley's score of 80.5/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Hurley, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hurley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iron
Frequently asked questions
Is Hurley, WI tap water safe to drink?
Hurley's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #254 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Hurley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Hurley'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 Hurley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hurley's water come from?
Hurley's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,515 residents.
What health violations has Hurley's water system had?
Hurley has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hurley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hurley 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 17 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 Hurley's water compare to other cities?
Hurley ranks #254 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 43% of state cities) and #7843 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hurley's small water system affect quality?
Hurley's system serves approximately 1,515 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 17 violations on record.