Is New Holstein, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.2/100
waterverge.com New Holstein, WI — Water Quality Report
New Holstein's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,110 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 19 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Holstein's water
New Holstein ranks #148 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
New Holstein 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 Holstein may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Holstein, WI water safe to drink?
New Holstein's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,110 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Holstein
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Holstein's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1369). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Holstein's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Holstein's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Calumet County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Holstein's water come from?
New Holstein's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,110 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What New Holstein residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Holstein'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.
New Holstein'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 Holstein
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Holstein, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 309 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BRIESS MALT & INGREDIENTS CO CHILTON, WI53014 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 309 | 5.8 mi |
DUBOIS CHEMICALS CHILTON CHILTON, WI53014 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
WORTHINGTON CYLINDERS WISCONSIN LLC CHILTON, WI53014 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
BREMER MANUFACTURING CO INC ELKHART LAKE, WI53020 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
HOUSEHOLD UTILITIES INC KIEL, WI53042 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Calumet County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Holstein compares by contaminant
Explore where New Holstein ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Holstein's water comes from
New Holstein'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 3,110 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving New Holstein
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW HOLSTEIN WATERWORKS | WI4080270 | 3,012 | GW |
| COUNTRY AIRE MOBILE HOME COURT LLC | WI4080274 | 98 | GW |
How New Holstein compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →New Holstein's score of 86.2/100 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 Holstein, WI
Wikipedia →New Holstein is a city in Calumet County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 3,098 as of the 2020 census. The city is located within the Town of New Holstein.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Holstein's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calumet
Frequently asked questions
Is New Holstein, WI tap water safe to drink?
New Holstein's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #148 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in New Holstein's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is New Holstein'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 Holstein?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Holstein's water come from?
New Holstein's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,110 residents.
What health violations has New Holstein's water system had?
New Holstein has 2 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Holstein's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Holstein 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 19 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 Holstein's water compare to other cities?
New Holstein ranks #148 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 67% of state cities) and #4852 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.