Is New Franken, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.4/100
waterverge.com New Franken, WI — Water Quality Report
New Franken's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,907 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 16 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Franken's water
New Franken ranks #110 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, New Franken may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Franken, WI water safe to drink?
New Franken's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,907 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for New Franken
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Franken's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-376). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Franken's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Franken's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Brown County has experienced 2 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.
Where does New Franken's water come from?
New Franken's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,907 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What New Franken residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Franken'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Brown County has experienced 2 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Franken compares by contaminant
Explore where New Franken ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Franken's water comes from
New Franken's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,907 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving New Franken
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCOTT WATER UTILITY DIST | WI4050071 | 1,875 | SWP |
| ANNAS HOUSE | WI4051141 | 32 | GW |
How New Franken compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →New Franken's score of 88.4/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Franken's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Brown
Frequently asked questions
Is New Franken, WI tap water safe to drink?
New Franken's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #110 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in New Franken's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is New Franken'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 New Franken?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Franken's water come from?
New Franken's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,907 residents.
What health violations has New Franken's water system had?
New Franken has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does New Franken's water compare to other cities?
New Franken ranks #110 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 75% of state cities) and #3467 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.