Is Kewaunee, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.8/100
waterverge.com Kewaunee, WI — Water Quality Report
Kewaunee's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,848 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.5 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 29 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kewaunee's water
Kewaunee ranks #138 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Kewaunee 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, Kewaunee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kewaunee, WI water safe to drink?
Kewaunee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,848 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kewaunee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kewaunee's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Coliform (TCR).
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 Kewaunee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kewaunee's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kewaunee 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 Kewaunee River.
Where does Kewaunee's water come from?
Kewaunee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,848 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kewaunee River (river).
What Kewaunee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kewaunee'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Kewaunee
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kewaunee, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KEWAUNEE FABRICATIONS LLC KEWAUNEE, WI54216 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
AGROPUR INC. LUXEMBURG, WI54217 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Kewaunee
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.
- ALGOMA MUNICIPAL LANDFILL9.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Kewaunee 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.
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. | 4.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kewaunee compares by contaminant
Explore where Kewaunee ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kewaunee's water comes from
Kewaunee'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 2,848 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kewaunee
Kewaunee is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kewaunee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEWAUNEE WATERWORKS | WI4310281 | 2,848 | GW |
How Kewaunee compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Kewaunee's score of 86.8/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Kewaunee, WI
Wikipedia →Kewaunee is a city in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,837 at the 2020 census. Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Michigan, the city is the county seat of Kewaunee County. Its Menominee name is Kewāneh, an archaic name for a species of duck. Kewaunee is part of the Green Bay metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kewaunee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kewaunee
Frequently asked questions
Is Kewaunee, WI tap water safe to drink?
Kewaunee's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #138 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Kewaunee's water?
Lead was measured at 4.5 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Kewaunee'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 Kewaunee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kewaunee's water come from?
Kewaunee's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,848 residents.
What health violations has Kewaunee's water system had?
Kewaunee has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kewaunee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kewaunee 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 29 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 Kewaunee's water compare to other cities?
Kewaunee ranks #138 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 69% of state cities) and #4449 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kewaunee's small water system affect quality?
Kewaunee's system serves approximately 2,848 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 29 violations on record.