Is Oconto Falls, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.1/100
waterverge.com Oconto Falls, WI — Water Quality Report
Oconto Falls's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,972 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 28 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oconto Falls's water
Oconto Falls ranks #187 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Oconto Falls 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, Oconto Falls may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oconto Falls, WI water safe to drink?
Oconto Falls's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,972 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oconto Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oconto Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4459). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Oconto Falls's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oconto Falls's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Oconto County has experienced 3 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 Oconto Falls's water come from?
Oconto Falls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,972 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Oconto Falls residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oconto Falls'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.
Oconto Falls'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 Oconto Falls
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oconto Falls, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,695 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ST PAPER-OCONTO FALLS OCONTO FALLS, WI54154 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,695 | 0.1 mi |
CARFAIR COMPOSITES USA INC - GILLETT GILLETT, WI54124 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
SAPUTO CHEESE USA INC LENA, WI54139 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Oconto County has experienced 3 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 Oconto Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Oconto Falls ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oconto Falls's water comes from
Oconto Falls'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 2,972 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Oconto Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCONTO FALLS WATERWORKS | WI4430496 | 2,892 | GW |
| OCONTO FALLS MHP | WI4430504 | 80 | GW |
How Oconto Falls compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Oconto Falls's score of 84.1/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Oconto Falls, WI
Wikipedia →Oconto Falls is a city in Oconto County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,957 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Green Bay metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oconto Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oconto
Frequently asked questions
Is Oconto Falls, WI tap water safe to drink?
Oconto Falls's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #187 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Oconto Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Oconto Falls'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 Oconto Falls?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oconto Falls's water come from?
Oconto Falls's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,972 residents.
What health violations has Oconto Falls's water system had?
Oconto Falls has 4 health-based violations 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oconto Falls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oconto Falls 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 28 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 Oconto Falls's water compare to other cities?
Oconto Falls ranks #187 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 58% of state cities) and #6084 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.