Is Laona, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
53.4/100
waterverge.com Laona, WI — Water Quality Report
Laona's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,226 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 130 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Laona's water
Laona ranks #401 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Laona 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, Laona may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Laona, WI water safe to drink?
Laona's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,226 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Laona
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Laona's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4459). 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 Laona's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Laona's water system has 130 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Forest County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Laona's water come from?
Laona's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,226 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Laona residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Laona'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.
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
Forest County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Laona's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Laona compares by contaminant
Explore where Laona ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Laona's water comes from
Laona'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 1,226 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Laona
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAONA SANITARY DIST | WI7210108 | 950 | GW |
| BLACKWELL CIVILIAN CONSVTN CTR | WI7210112 | 190 | GW |
| NU ROC HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER | WI7210105 | 86 | GW |
How Laona compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Laona's score of 53.4/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Laona, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Laona's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Forest
Frequently asked questions
Is Laona, WI tap water safe to drink?
Laona's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #401 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Laona's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 130 violations are on record.
How is Laona'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 Laona?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Laona's water come from?
Laona's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,226 residents.
What health violations has Laona's water system had?
Laona has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Laona's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Laona 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 130 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 Laona's water compare to other cities?
Laona ranks #401 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 10% of state cities) and #12683 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.