WaterVerge

Is Loyal, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: WI6100329
Overall Score
87 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#134 of 446 in Wisconsin Top 28% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87/100
waterverge.com
A- 87/100

Loyal, WI — Water Quality Report

Loyal's drinking water received a grade of A- (87 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,308 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 10 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Loyal's water

Loyal ranks #134 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
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 Loyal, WI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Loyal's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,308 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Loyal

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Loyal's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).

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, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4383). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Key contaminant findings

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

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

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.41 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Loyal's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

MRMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Feb 2015 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 2015 Chlorine Resolved
Oct 2013 Nitrate Resolved
Oct 2013 Nitrate Resolved
Oct 2011 Nitrate Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Clark County has experienced 6 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.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4459
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4383
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4288

Where does Loyal's water come from?

Loyal's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,308 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Loyal residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Loyal's water.

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

Loyal'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
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.41 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +8% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

10
Total violations
2
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Feb 2015
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

10 Total
3 Active
2 Health-based
7 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
3
Nitrate Rule
3
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Feb 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2015
Oct 2013 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Oct 2013 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Oct 2011 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
May 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 2010
Jun 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1991
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Loyal

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Loyal, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 32,605 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
GRASSLAND DAIRY PRODUCTS INC
Food · GRASSLAND DAIRY PRODUCTS INC
GREENWOOD, WI54437
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)32,6054.0 mi
LAND O LAKES-SPENCER DAIRY
Food · LAND O LAKES INC
SPENCER, WI54479
9.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Aug 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Clark County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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
Aug 2018
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4383
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
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #376

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Loyal's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.41 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 11.1 ppb from 1993 (11.1 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.200 mg/L from 1993 (1.610 mg/L) to 1994 (1.410 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,308
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Loyal's water comes from

Groundwater

Loyal'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 1,308 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Loyal

System Name PWSID Population Source
LOYAL WATERWORKS WI6100329 1,308 GW
Regional Comparison

How Loyal compares

Full Wisconsin rankings →

Loyal's score of 87/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Loyal (this city)
87
Milwaukee
90.2
Madison
35.4
Racine
69.5
Kenosha
45.8
Wisconsin avg
65
City Profile

About Loyal, WI

Economic Profile
$59,938
Median Income
$106,621
Median Home Value
$829/mo
Median Rent
0.4%
Unemployment
Community
41.2
Median Age
384
People / sq mi
14.6%
College Educated
78.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Loyal, WI tap water safe to drink?

Loyal's water quality earned a grade of A- (87/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #134 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.

What contaminants are in Loyal's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.

How is Loyal'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 Loyal?

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

Where does Loyal's water come from?

Loyal's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,308 residents.

What health violations has Loyal's water system had?

Loyal has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.

Is Loyal's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Loyal 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 10 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 Loyal's water compare to other cities?

Loyal ranks #134 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 70% of state cities) and #4338 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Loyal's small water system affect quality?

Loyal's system serves approximately 1,308 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 10 violations on record.