Is New Glarus, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.1/100
waterverge.com New Glarus, WI — Water Quality Report
New Glarus's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,348 residents using groundwater.
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 81 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Glarus's water
New Glarus ranks #130 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
New Glarus 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, New Glarus may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Glarus, WI water safe to drink?
New Glarus's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,348 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Glarus
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Glarus's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228.
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 New Glarus's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Glarus's water system has 81 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Green County has experienced 7 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 Sugar River.
Where does New Glarus's water come from?
New Glarus's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,348 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sugar River (river).
What New Glarus residents can do
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.
New Glarus'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 New Glarus
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Glarus, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FEDERAL INDUSTRIES BELLEVILLE, WI53508 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
WISCONSIN CHEESE GROUP MONTICELLO, WI53570 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Green County has experienced 7 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Glarus compares by contaminant
Explore where New Glarus ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Glarus's water comes from
New Glarus'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 2,348 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Glarus
New Glarus is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Glarus
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW GLARUS WATERWORKS | WI1230084 | 2,348 | GW |
How New Glarus compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →New Glarus's score of 87.1/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About New Glarus, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Glarus's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Green
Frequently asked questions
Is New Glarus, WI tap water safe to drink?
New Glarus's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #130 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in New Glarus's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 81 violations are on record.
How is New Glarus'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 Glarus?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Glarus's water come from?
New Glarus's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,348 residents.
What health violations has New Glarus's water system had?
New Glarus has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Glarus's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Glarus 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 81 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 New Glarus's water compare to other cities?
New Glarus ranks #130 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 71% of state cities) and #4253 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Glarus's small water system affect quality?
New Glarus's system serves approximately 2,348 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 81 violations on record.