Is Minocqua, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
59.1/100
waterverge.com Minocqua, WI — Water Quality Report
Minocqua's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,615 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 134 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved.
What to know about Minocqua's water
Minocqua ranks #389 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Minocqua 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, Minocqua may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Minocqua, WI water safe to drink?
Minocqua's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,615 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Minocqua
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Minocqua's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Minocqua'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
Minocqua's water system has 134 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Oneida County has experienced 4 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.
Where does Minocqua's water come from?
Minocqua's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 2,615 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Minocqua residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Minocqua'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.
Minocqua'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 Minocqua
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Minocqua, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ETS-LINDGREN RF ENCLOSURES MINOCQUA, WI54548 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Oneida County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1984. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Minocqua'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. | 0.2 | 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. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.000 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Minocqua compares by contaminant
Explore where Minocqua ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Minocqua's water comes from
Minocqua'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 2,615 people through 5 water systems.
Water systems serving Minocqua
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKELAND SANITARY DIST 1 | WI7440116 | 2,381 | GW |
| LAKELAND VILLAGE 1 | WI7440117 | 81 | GW |
| PATRICIA LAKE MANUFACTURED HOUSING COMMUNITY | WI7440139 | 56 | GW |
| LAKELAND VILLAGE 2 | WI7440087 | 49 | GW |
| ROCKWOOD ESTATES | WI7440144 | 48 | GW |
How Minocqua compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Minocqua's score of 59.1/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Minocqua, WI
Wikipedia →Minocqua is a town in northwestern Oneida County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 5,062 at the 2020 census. The Minocqua census-designated place and the unincorporated community of Rantz are both located in the town. Minocqua is commonly referred to as "The Island City."
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Minocqua's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oneida
Frequently asked questions
Is Minocqua, WI tap water safe to drink?
Minocqua's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #389 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Minocqua's water?
Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 134 violations are on record.
How is Minocqua'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 Minocqua?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Minocqua's water come from?
Minocqua's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 2,615 residents.
What health violations has Minocqua's water system had?
Minocqua has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 35 violations remain unresolved.
Is Minocqua's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Minocqua 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 134 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 Minocqua's water compare to other cities?
Minocqua ranks #389 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 13% of state cities) and #12213 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.