Is Port Edwards, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Port Edwards, WI — Water Quality Report
Port Edwards's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,866 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 37 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Port Edwards's water
Port Edwards ranks #108 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Port Edwards 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, Port Edwards may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Port Edwards, WI water safe to drink?
Port Edwards's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,866 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Port Edwards
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Port Edwards's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4459). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Port Edwards's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Port Edwards's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wood 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. Local water sources include Wisconsin River, Tenmile Creek.
Where does Port Edwards's water come from?
Port Edwards's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,866 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wisconsin River (river), Tenmile Creek (river).
What Port Edwards residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Port Edwards'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.
Port Edwards'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 Port Edwards
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Port Edwards, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,347,140 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MCCAIN FOODS USA INC WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI54494 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,326,681 | 8.9 mi |
DOMTAR AW LLC NEKOOSA MILL NEKOOSA, WI54457 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 20,057 | 3.0 mi |
WATER QUALITY CENTER WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI54495 | Ammonia | 387 | 5.8 mi |
ERCO WORLDWIDE (USA) INC NEKOOSA, WI54457 | Lead compounds | 15 | 2.6 mi |
NEKOOSA COATED PRODUCTS LLC NEKOOSA, WI54457 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wood 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.
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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Port Edwards compares by contaminant
Explore where Port Edwards ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Port Edwards's water comes from
Port Edwards'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 1,866 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Port Edwards
Port Edwards is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Port Edwards
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORT EDWARDS WATER UTILITY | WI7720113 | 1,866 | GW |
How Port Edwards compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Port Edwards's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Port Edwards, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Port Edwards's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wood
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Edwards, WI tap water safe to drink?
Port Edwards's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #108 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Port Edwards's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Port Edwards'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 Port Edwards?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Port Edwards's water come from?
Port Edwards's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,866 residents.
What health violations has Port Edwards's water system had?
Port Edwards has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Port Edwards's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Port Edwards 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 37 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 Port Edwards's water compare to other cities?
Port Edwards ranks #108 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 76% of state cities) and #3303 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Port Edwards's small water system affect quality?
Port Edwards's system serves approximately 1,866 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 37 violations on record.