Is Odanah, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Odanah, WI — Water Quality Report
Odanah's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,403 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 201 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Odanah's water
Odanah ranks #412 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Odanah 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, Odanah may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 35 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Odanah, WI water safe to drink?
Odanah's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,403 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Odanah
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Odanah's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4383). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Odanah's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Odanah's water system has 201 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 35 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ashland County has experienced 6 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 Beartrap Creek, Bad River, Denomie Creek, Kakagon River Slough Near Odanah.
Where does Odanah's water come from?
Odanah's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,403 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Beartrap Creek (river), Bad River (river), Denomie Creek (river), Kakagon River Slough Near Odanah (river).
What Odanah residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Odanah'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.
Odanah'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 Odanah
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Odanah, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
C. G. BRETTING MANUFACTURING CO. INC. ASHLAND, WI54806 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Odanah
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ASHLAND NORTHERN STATES POWER LAKEFRONT9.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Ashland County has experienced 6 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Odanah compares by contaminant
Explore where Odanah ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Odanah's water comes from
Odanah'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 2,403 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Odanah
Odanah is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Odanah
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW ODANAH | 055295102 | 1,839 | GW |
| BIRCH HILL | 055295103 | 322 | GW |
| FRANKS FIELD | 055295104 | 242 | GW |
How Odanah compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Odanah's score of 50/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →ZIP codes served by Odanah
The water systems serving Odanah cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Odanah, WI
Wikipedia →Odanah is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Ashland County, Wisconsin, in the town of Sanborn, United States, on the banks of the Bad River. The population was 47 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Odanah's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Odanah, WI tap water safe to drink?
Odanah's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #412 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Odanah's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 201 violations are on record.
How is Odanah'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 Odanah?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Odanah's water come from?
Odanah's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,403 residents.
What health violations has Odanah's water system had?
Odanah 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. 21 violations remain unresolved.
Is Odanah's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Odanah 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 201 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 Odanah's water compare to other cities?
Odanah ranks #412 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 8% of state cities) and #13111 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.