Is Neillsville, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.7/100
waterverge.com Neillsville, WI — Water Quality Report
Neillsville's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,501 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 109 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Neillsville's water
Neillsville ranks #358 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Neillsville 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, Neillsville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Neillsville, WI water safe to drink?
Neillsville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,501 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Neillsville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Neillsville's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.7/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4459). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4383). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Neillsville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Neillsville's water system has 109 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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. Local water sources include Black River.
Where does Neillsville's water come from?
Neillsville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,501 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black River (river).
What Neillsville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Neillsville'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.
Neillsville'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 Neillsville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Neillsville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 333,719 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LYNN DAIRY/LYNN PROTEINS GRANTON, WI54436 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 333,719 | 9.1 mi |
CUMMINS FILTRATION-NEILLSVILLE EAST NEILLSVILLE, WI54456 | — | — | 1.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
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.
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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Neillsville compares by contaminant
Explore where Neillsville ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Neillsville's water comes from
Neillsville'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 2,501 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Neillsville
Neillsville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Neillsville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEILLSVILLE WATERWORKS | WI6100330 | 2,384 | GW |
| PINE ISLAND ESTATES | WI6100331 | 75 | GW |
| GRANDVIEW MOBILE HOME COURT | WI6100332 | 42 | GW |
How Neillsville compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Neillsville's score of 68.7/100 is on par with the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Neillsville, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Neillsville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clark
Frequently asked questions
Is Neillsville, WI tap water safe to drink?
Neillsville's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #358 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Neillsville's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 109 violations are on record.
How is Neillsville'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 Neillsville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Neillsville's water come from?
Neillsville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,501 residents.
What health violations has Neillsville's water system had?
Neillsville has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Neillsville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Neillsville 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 109 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 Neillsville's water compare to other cities?
Neillsville ranks #358 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 20% of state cities) and #11034 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.