WaterVerge

Is Mishicot, 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 ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: WI4360430
Overall Score
82.5 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#217 of 446 in Wisconsin Top 44% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
82.5/100
waterverge.com
B+ 82.5/100

Mishicot, WI — Water Quality Report

Mishicot's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,432 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Mishicot's water

Mishicot ranks #217 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
82.5 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.5/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Mishicot, WI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Mishicot's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,432 residents using groundwater (wells).

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

Recent water quality updates for Mishicot

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mishicot's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, ICING, WIND & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-496). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.9 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.36 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

Mishicot's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2009 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2009 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Aug 2006 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Manitowoc County has experienced 3 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 Manitowoc River.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3249
SEVERE STORMS, ICING, WIND & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-496
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-376

Where does Mishicot's water come from?

Mishicot's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,432 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Manitowoc River (river).

What Mishicot residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Mishicot'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
1.9 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.36 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +5% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

4
Total violations
0
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Oct 2009
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

4 Total
3 Active
0 Health-based
1 Resolved
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
1
Oct 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2006
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Mishicot

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 15 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
BROADWIND TOWERS & HEAVY FABRICATIONS
Fabricated Metals · BROADWIND ENERGY INC
MANITOWOC, WI54221
Manganese159.1 mi
ECK INDUSTRIES
Primary Metals · NA
MANITOWOC, WI54220
7.7 mi
JAGEMANN PLATING CO
Fabricated Metals · NA
MANITOWOC, WI54220
10.0 mi
KDC/ONE - NORTHERN LABS
Chemicals · KDC US HOLDINGS INC
MANITOWOC, WI54221
9.6 mi
ROCKWELL LIME CO
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CARMEUSE NORTH AMERICA
MANITOWOC, WI54220
5.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Manitowoc County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3249
Mar 1976
SEVERE STORMS, ICING, WIND & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #496
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #376

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Mishicot'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) 1.9 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.36 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 6.1 ppb from 1993 (8.0 ppb) to 2023 (1.9 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.490 mg/L from 1993 (1.850 mg/L) to 1995 (1.360 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,432
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Mishicot's water comes from

Groundwater

Mishicot'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 1,432 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Mishicot

Mishicot is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Manitowoc River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Mishicot

System Name PWSID Population Source
MISHICOT WATERWORKS WI4360430 1,432 GW
Regional Comparison

How Mishicot compares

Full Wisconsin rankings →

Mishicot's score of 82.5/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Mishicot (this city)
82.5
Milwaukee
90.2
Madison
35.4
Racine
69.5
Kenosha
45.8
Wisconsin avg
65
City Profile

About Mishicot, WI

Wikipedia →

Mishicot is a village in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,432 at the 2020 census. The village is adjacent to the Town of Mishicot.

Economic Profile
$70,385
Median Income
$134,361
Median Home Value
$728/mo
Median Rent
0.4%
Unemployment
Community
48.8
Median Age
219
People / sq mi
21.2%
College Educated
81.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Mishicot, WI tap water safe to drink?

Mishicot's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #217 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.

What contaminants are in Mishicot's water?

Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.

How is Mishicot'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 Mishicot?

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

Where does Mishicot's water come from?

Mishicot's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,432 residents.

Is Mishicot's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Mishicot 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 4 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 Mishicot's water compare to other cities?

Mishicot ranks #217 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 51% of state cities) and #6927 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Mishicot's small water system affect quality?

Mishicot's system serves approximately 1,432 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 4 violations on record.