Is Poynette, 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 ↓
48.4/100
waterverge.com Poynette, WI — Water Quality Report
Poynette's drinking water received a grade of D (48.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,753 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.6 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 80 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Poynette's water
Poynette ranks #417 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Poynette 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, Poynette may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Poynette, WI water safe to drink?
Poynette's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,753 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Poynette
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Poynette's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-496). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Poynette's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Poynette's water system has 80 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbia County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Poynette's water come from?
Poynette's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,753 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Poynette residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Poynette'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.
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 Poynette
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Poynette, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC FUELING SYSTEMS DEFOREST, WI53532 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
AMERICAN PACKAGING CORP SITE DEFOREST, WI53532 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
COLUMBIA ENERGY CENTER PARDEEVILLE, WI53954 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
GRANDE CHEESE CO WYOCENA WYOCENA, WI53969 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Columbia County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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. | 4.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Poynette compares by contaminant
Explore where Poynette ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Poynette's water comes from
Poynette'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 2,753 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Poynette
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POYNETTE WATERWORKS | WI1110037 | 2,520 | GW |
| POYNETTE MOBILE ESTATES | WI1110109 | 150 | GW |
| INCH HEIGHTS LLC | WI1110110 | 47 | GW |
| CAPITAL HILL MOBILE HOME PARK | WI1110107 | 36 | GW |
How Poynette compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Poynette's score of 48.4/100 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 →About Poynette, WI
Wikipedia →Poynette is a village in Columbia County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,590 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Madison, Wisconsin metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Poynette's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Is Poynette, WI tap water safe to drink?
Poynette's water quality earned a grade of D (48.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #417 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Poynette's water?
Lead was measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile). 80 violations are on record.
How is Poynette'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 Poynette?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Poynette's water come from?
Poynette's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,753 residents.
What health violations has Poynette's water system had?
Poynette has 11 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 Poynette's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Poynette 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 80 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 Poynette's water compare to other cities?
Poynette ranks #417 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 7% of state cities) and #13458 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.