Is Phelps, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.4/100
waterverge.com Phelps, WI — Water Quality Report
Phelps's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 550 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 30 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Phelps's water
Phelps ranks #94 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Phelps 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, Phelps may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Phelps, WI water safe to drink?
Phelps's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 550 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Phelps
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Phelps's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1284). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Phelps's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Phelps's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Vilas County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Lac Vieux Desert, Anvil Lake.
Where does Phelps's water come from?
Phelps's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 550 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lac Vieux Desert (lake), Anvil Lake (lake).
What Phelps residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Phelps'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.
Phelps'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
Flood & disaster history
Vilas County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Phelps compares by contaminant
Explore where Phelps ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Phelps's water comes from
Phelps'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 550 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Phelps
Phelps is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Phelps
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHELPS SANITARY DISTRICT | WI7640114 | 550 | GW |
How Phelps compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Phelps's score of 89.4/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Phelps, WI
Wikipedia →Phelps is a town in Vilas County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,238 in 2020. The unincorporated community of Phelps is located in the town.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Phelps's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Vilas
Frequently asked questions
Is Phelps, WI tap water safe to drink?
Phelps's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #94 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Phelps's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Phelps'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 Phelps?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Phelps's water come from?
Phelps's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 550 residents.
What health violations has Phelps's water system had?
Phelps has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Phelps's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Phelps 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 30 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 Phelps's water compare to other cities?
Phelps ranks #94 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 79% of state cities) and #2873 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Phelps's small water system affect quality?
Phelps's system serves approximately 550 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 30 violations on record.