Is Manawa, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78/100
waterverge.com Manawa, WI — Water Quality Report
Manawa's drinking water received a grade of B (78 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,300 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.6 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 12 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Manawa's water
Manawa ranks #288 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Manawa 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 1.45 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Manawa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Manawa, WI water safe to drink?
Manawa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,300 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Manawa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Manawa's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4459). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Manawa'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
Manawa's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Waupaca County has experienced 4 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 Unk Trib To Sb Little Wolf River Nr Ogdensburg.
Where does Manawa's water come from?
Manawa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,300 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Unk Trib To Sb Little Wolf River Nr Ogdensburg (river).
What Manawa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Manawa'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.
Manawa'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Manawa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Manawa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 320 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WAUPACA FOUNDRY PLANT 2/3 WAUPACA, WI54981 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 320 | 9.9 mi |
AGROPUR INC. WEYAUWEGA, WI54983 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Waupaca County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Manawa'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. | 3.6 | 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. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Manawa compares by contaminant
Explore where Manawa ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Manawa's water comes from
Manawa'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 1,300 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Manawa
Manawa is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Manawa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANAWA WATERWORKS | WI4690345 | 1,300 | GW |
How Manawa compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Manawa's score of 78/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Manawa, WI
Wikipedia →Manawa is a city in Waupaca County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,441 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Manawa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Waupaca
Frequently asked questions
Is Manawa, WI tap water safe to drink?
Manawa's water quality earned a grade of B (78/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #288 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Manawa's water?
Lead was measured at 3.6 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Manawa'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 Manawa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Manawa's water come from?
Manawa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,300 residents.
What health violations has Manawa's water system had?
Manawa has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Manawa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Manawa 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 12 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 Manawa's water compare to other cities?
Manawa ranks #288 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 35% of state cities) and #8823 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Manawa's small water system affect quality?
Manawa's system serves approximately 1,300 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 12 violations on record.