Is Iron River, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.2/100
waterverge.com Iron River, WI — Water Quality Report
Iron River's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 600 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 103 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Iron River's water
Iron River ranks #354 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Iron River 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, Iron River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Iron River, WI water safe to drink?
Iron River's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 600 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Iron River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Iron River's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.2/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4383). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Iron River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Iron River's water system has 103 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bayfield County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Iron River's water come from?
Iron River's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 600 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Iron River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Iron River'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.
Iron River'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 Iron River
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Iron River, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ABSOLUT MANUFACTURING LLC IRON RIVER, WI54847 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Bayfield County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Iron River compares by contaminant
Explore where Iron River ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Iron River's water comes from
Iron River'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 600 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Iron River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRON RIVER SANITARY DISTRICT | WI8040131 | 600 | GW |
How Iron River compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Iron River's score of 69.2/100 is on par with the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Iron River, WI
Wikipedia →Iron River is a town in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,240 at the 2020 census, up from 1,123 at the 2010 census. The census-designated place of Iron River is located in the town. The unincorporated community of Topside is also located in the town.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Iron River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bayfield
Frequently asked questions
Is Iron River, WI tap water safe to drink?
Iron River's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #354 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Iron River's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 103 violations are on record.
How is Iron River'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 Iron River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Iron River's water come from?
Iron River's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 600 residents.
What health violations has Iron River's water system had?
Iron River has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Iron River's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Iron River 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 103 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 Iron River's water compare to other cities?
Iron River ranks #354 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 21% of state cities) and #10971 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Iron River's small water system affect quality?
Iron River's system serves approximately 600 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 103 violations on record.