Is North Prairie, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84/100
waterverge.com North Prairie, WI — Water Quality Report
North Prairie's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,100 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 83 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Prairie's water
North Prairie ranks #190 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
North Prairie 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, North Prairie may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Prairie, WI water safe to drink?
North Prairie's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,100 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for North Prairie
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Prairie's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4892). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 North Prairie's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
North Prairie's water system has 83 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Waukesha 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 Mukwonago River.
Where does North Prairie's water come from?
North Prairie's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mukwonago River (river).
What North Prairie residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Prairie'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.
North Prairie'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 North Prairie
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near North Prairie, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CASTALLOY INC. WAUKESHA, WI53189 | Manganese | 1 | 8.7 mi |
ACE PRECISION OCONOMOWOC, WI53066 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS INC-EAGLE EAGLE, WI53119 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
WISCONSIN PRECISION CASTING CORP EAST TROY, WI53120 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
VALMET INC. - WAUKESHA SERVICE CENTER WAUKESHA, WI53186 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Waukesha 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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how North Prairie compares by contaminant
Explore where North Prairie ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Prairie's water comes from
North Prairie'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,100 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near North Prairie
North Prairie is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving North Prairie
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRAIRIE VILLAGE WATER TRUST | WI2680277 | 2,100 | GW |
How North Prairie compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →North Prairie's score of 84/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About North Prairie, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Prairie's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Waukesha
Frequently asked questions
Is North Prairie, WI tap water safe to drink?
North Prairie's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #190 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in North Prairie's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 83 violations are on record.
How is North Prairie'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 North Prairie?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Prairie's water come from?
North Prairie's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,100 residents.
What health violations has North Prairie's water system had?
North Prairie has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is North Prairie's groundwater at risk of contamination?
North Prairie 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 83 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 North Prairie's water compare to other cities?
North Prairie ranks #190 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 57% of state cities) and #6147 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does North Prairie's small water system affect quality?
North Prairie's system serves approximately 2,100 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 83 violations on record.