Is Land O Lakes, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
58.9/100
waterverge.com Land O Lakes, WI — Water Quality Report
Land O Lakes's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 570 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 106 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Land O Lakes's water
Land O Lakes ranks #390 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Land O Lakes 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, Land O Lakes 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 Land O Lakes, WI water safe to drink?
Land O Lakes's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 570 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Land O Lakes
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Land O Lakes's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1284). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Land O Lakes's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Land O Lakes's water system has 106 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Vilas County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Cisco Lake, Cisco Branch Ontonagon R.
Where does Land O Lakes's water come from?
Land O Lakes's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 570 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cisco Lake (lake), Cisco Branch Ontonagon R (river).
What Land O Lakes residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Land O Lakes'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.
Land O Lakes'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
Flood & disaster history
Vilas County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Land O Lakes compares by contaminant
Explore where Land O Lakes ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Land O Lakes's water comes from
Land O Lakes'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 570 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Land O Lakes
Land O Lakes is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Land O Lakes
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAND O LAKES SANITARY DIST | WI7640112 | 450 | GW |
| LOWENSTINE FUND CORPORATION | WI7641621 | 120 | GW |
How Land O Lakes compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Land O Lakes's score of 58.9/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Land O Lakes's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Vilas
Frequently asked questions
Is Land O Lakes, WI tap water safe to drink?
Land O Lakes's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #390 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Land O Lakes's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 106 violations are on record.
How is Land O Lakes'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 Land O Lakes?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Land O Lakes's water come from?
Land O Lakes's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 570 residents.
What health violations has Land O Lakes's water system had?
Land O Lakes has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Land O Lakes's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Land O Lakes 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 106 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 Land O Lakes's water compare to other cities?
Land O Lakes ranks #390 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 13% of state cities) and #12246 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.