Is Pepin, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46.1/100
waterverge.com Pepin, WI — Water Quality Report
Pepin's drinking water received a grade of D (46.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 816 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 28 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pepin's water
Pepin ranks #425 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pepin 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Pepin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pepin, WI water safe to drink?
Pepin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 816 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pepin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pepin's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
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 Pepin's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Pepin's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pepin County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Pepin's water come from?
Pepin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 816 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pepin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pepin'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Pepin'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 Pepin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pepin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HEARTH & HOME TECHNOLOGIES INC LAKE CITY LAKE CITY, MN55041 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
FEDERAL-MOGUL POWERTRAIN SYSTEMS LAKE CITY, MN55041 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
ARDENT MILLS LLC LAKE CITY, MN55041 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Pepin County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pepin'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. | 5.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pepin compares by contaminant
Explore where Pepin ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pepin's water comes from
Pepin'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 816 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Pepin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEPIN WATERWORKS | WI6470141 | 816 | GW |
How Pepin compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Pepin's score of 46.1/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Pepin, WI
Wikipedia →Pepin is a village in Pepin County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 731 at the 2020 census. The village is surrounded within the borders of the Town of Pepin.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pepin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pepin
Frequently asked questions
Is Pepin, WI tap water safe to drink?
Pepin's water quality earned a grade of D (46.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #425 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Pepin's water?
Lead was measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Pepin'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 Pepin?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pepin's water come from?
Pepin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 816 residents.
What health violations has Pepin's water system had?
Pepin has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pepin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pepin 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 Pepin's water compare to other cities?
Pepin ranks #425 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 5% of state cities) and #13912 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pepin's small water system affect quality?
Pepin's system serves approximately 816 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 28 violations on record.