Is Nekoosa, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.8/100
waterverge.com Nekoosa, WI — Water Quality Report
Nekoosa's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,214 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 68 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nekoosa's water
Nekoosa ranks #137 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Nekoosa 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nekoosa, WI water safe to drink?
Nekoosa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,214 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nekoosa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nekoosa's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.8/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Nekoosa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nekoosa's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wood County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Wisconsin River, Tenmile Creek.
Where does Nekoosa's water come from?
Nekoosa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 5,214 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wisconsin River (river), Tenmile Creek (river).
What Nekoosa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nekoosa'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.
Nekoosa'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 Nekoosa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Nekoosa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 20,459 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DOMTAR AW LLC NEKOOSA MILL NEKOOSA, WI54457 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 20,057 | 0.5 mi |
WATER QUALITY CENTER WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI54495 | Ammonia | 387 | 8.7 mi |
ERCO WORLDWIDE (USA) INC NEKOOSA, WI54457 | Lead compounds | 15 | 0.9 mi |
NEKOOSA COATED PRODUCTS LLC NEKOOSA, WI54457 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
ECC CORROSION INC. WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI54494 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wood County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nekoosa compares by contaminant
Explore where Nekoosa ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nekoosa's water comes from
Nekoosa'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 5,214 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Nekoosa
Nekoosa is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Nekoosa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROME WATER UTILITY | WI7010108 | 2,775 | GW |
| NEKOOSA WATERWORKS | WI7720169 | 2,394 | GW |
| CEDAR JUNCTION | WI7720139 | 45 | GW |
How Nekoosa compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Nekoosa's score of 86.8/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Nekoosa, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nekoosa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adams
Frequently asked questions
Is Nekoosa, WI tap water safe to drink?
Nekoosa's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #137 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Nekoosa's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is Nekoosa'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 Nekoosa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nekoosa's water come from?
Nekoosa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 5,214 residents.
What health violations has Nekoosa's water system had?
Nekoosa has 4 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Nekoosa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nekoosa 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 68 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 Nekoosa's water compare to other cities?
Nekoosa ranks #137 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 69% of state cities) and #4442 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.