WaterVerge

Is La Farge, 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 ↓

712 residents served 1 water system PWSID: WI6630258
Overall Score
91.3 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#56 of 446 in Wisconsin Top 11% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
91.3/100
waterverge.com
A 91.3/100

La Farge, WI — Water Quality Report

La Farge's drinking water received a grade of A (91.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 712 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about La Farge's water

La Farge ranks #56 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

La Farge 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, La Farge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
91.3 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is La Farge, WI water safe to drink?

Use Caution

La Farge's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 712 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for La Farge

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into La Farge's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.3/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4459). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, AND LANDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Radium-228.

Violation
4 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Radium-228, Radium-226, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for La Farge's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

La Farge's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2009 Public Notice Open
Jul 2009 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U Resolved
Jul 2009 Combined Radium (-226 and -228) Resolved
Jul 2009 Radium-228 Resolved
Jan 1996 Radium-228 Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Vernon County has experienced 8 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 Kickapoo River.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4459
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, AND LANDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4402
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4288

Where does La Farge's water come from?

La Farge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 712 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kickapoo River (river).

What La Farge residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

La Farge'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

9
Total violations
0
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Oct 2009
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

9 Total
2 Active
0 Health-based
7 Resolved
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
7
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
1
Oct 2009 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2009 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2009
Jul 2009 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2009
Jul 2009 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2009
Jan 1996 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
Radium-226
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1996
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Aug 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Vernon County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2019
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4459
Oct 2018
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, AND LANDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4402
Oct 2016
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4288
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3249
May 2001
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #1369
Sep 1992
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #964

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 11.0 ppb from 1993 (11.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
712
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where La Farge's water comes from

Groundwater

La Farge'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 712 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near La Farge

La Farge is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Kickapoo River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving La Farge

System Name PWSID Population Source
LA FARGE WATERWORKS WI6630258 712 GW
Regional Comparison

How La Farge compares

Full Wisconsin rankings →

La Farge's score of 91.3/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

La Farge (this city)
91.3
Milwaukee
90.2
Madison
35.4
Racine
69.5
Kenosha
45.8
Wisconsin avg
65
City Profile

About La Farge, WI

Wikipedia →

La Farge is a village along the Kickapoo River in Vernon County, Wisconsin, United States. Its population was 730 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$34,792
Median Income
$107,221
Median Home Value
$652/mo
Median Rent
6.6%
Unemployment
Community
42.6
Median Age
287
People / sq mi
6.2%
College Educated
63.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is La Farge, WI tap water safe to drink?

La Farge's water quality earned a grade of A (91.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #56 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.

What contaminants are in La Farge's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.

How is La Farge'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 La Farge?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does La Farge's water come from?

La Farge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 712 residents.

Is La Farge's groundwater at risk of contamination?

La Farge 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 9 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 La Farge's water compare to other cities?

La Farge ranks #56 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 87% of state cities) and #1780 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does La Farge's small water system affect quality?

La Farge's system serves approximately 712 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 9 violations on record.