Is Owen, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
59.2/100
waterverge.com Owen, WI — Water Quality Report
Owen's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,446 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 42 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Owen's water
Owen ranks #388 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Owen 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, Owen may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Owen, WI water safe to drink?
Owen's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,446 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Owen
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Owen's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice, Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4459). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4383). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Owen's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Owen's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clark County has experienced 6 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 Owen's water come from?
Owen's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,446 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Owen residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Owen'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.
Owen'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 Owen
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Owen, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KERRY INC OWEN, WI54460 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Clark County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Owen's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.800 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Owen compares by contaminant
Explore where Owen ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Owen's water comes from
Owen'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 1,446 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Owen
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OWEN WATERWORKS | WI6100334 | 936 | GW |
| CLARK CO HEALTH CARE CENTER | WI6100336 | 510 | GW |
How Owen compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Owen's score of 59.2/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Owen, WI
Wikipedia →Owen is a city in Clark County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 916 at the 2020 census. Owen is located directly east of the village of Withee, which is about half the size of Owen.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Owen's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clark
Frequently asked questions
Is Owen, WI tap water safe to drink?
Owen's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #388 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Owen's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.
How is Owen'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 Owen?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Owen's water come from?
Owen's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,446 residents.
What health violations has Owen's water system had?
Owen has 5 health-based violations 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. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Owen's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Owen 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 42 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 Owen's water compare to other cities?
Owen ranks #388 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 13% of state cities) and #12201 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.