WaterVerge

Is Reeseville, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

718 residents served 1 water system PWSID: WI1140153
Overall Score
73.8 / 100
Violations
11 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#332 of 446 in Wisconsin Top 64% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
73.8/100
waterverge.com
B- 73.8/100

Reeseville, WI — Water Quality Report

Reeseville's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 718 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 4.9 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 87 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Reeseville's water

Reeseville ranks #332 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Reeseville 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, Reeseville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
73.8 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
29.8/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
14/20
C
Lead at 4.9 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Reeseville, WI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Reeseville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 718 residents using groundwater (wells).

11
Active Violations
4.9 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Reeseville

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Reeseville's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.8/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-775). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Reeseville's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 4.9 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.39 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Reeseville's water system has 87 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

TTOtherMRMON
Most recent violations:
Nov 2023 Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule Open
Jul 2023 Public Notice Open
Jan 2023 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Dec 2022 Public Notice Open
Dec 2022 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Dodge County has experienced 3 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. Local water sources include Rock River, Beaverdam River.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3249
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-775
SEVERE STORMS, ICING, WIND & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-496

Where does Reeseville's water come from?

Reeseville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 718 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rock River (river), Beaverdam River (river).

What Reeseville residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Reeseville's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Reeseville'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
4.9 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 33% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.39 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +7% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

87
Total violations
3
Health-based
11
Active / unresolved
Nov 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

87 Total
11 Active
3 Health-based
76 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
63
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
4
Nitrate Rule
4
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
3
Nov 2023 Active
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2012 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Apr 2004 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2020 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jul 2020
Oct 2017 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2017
Jan 2014 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Jan 2014 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Jan 2013 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2013 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2011 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
Jan 2011 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
Jan 2011 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
Showing 20 of 87 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Reeseville

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Reeseville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
SENECA FOODS CORP
Food · SENECA FOODS CORP
CLYMAN, WI53016
6.2 mi
SENSIENT FLAVORS LLC.
Food · SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP
JUNEAU, WI53039
9.9 mi
SPUNCAST
Primary Metals · NA
WATERTOWN, WI53098
8.9 mi
COLUMBUS CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES INC. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP P
Chemicals · COLUMBUS CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES INC
COLUMBUS, WI53925
8.4 mi
AMERICAN PACKAGING CORP
Printing · AMERICAN PACKAGING CORP
COLUMBUS, WI53925
9.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Dodge County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3249
Oct 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #775
Mar 1976
SEVERE STORMS, ICING, WIND & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #496

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Reeseville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 4.9 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.39 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.1 ppb from 1994 (6.0 ppb) to 2024 (4.9 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.390 mg/L (2012)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
718
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Reeseville's water comes from

Groundwater

Reeseville'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 718 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Reeseville

Reeseville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Rock River
river
Beaverdam River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Reeseville

System Name PWSID Population Source
REESEVILLE WATERWORKS WI1140153 718 GW
Regional Comparison

How Reeseville compares

Full Wisconsin rankings →

Reeseville's score of 73.8/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Reeseville (this city)
73.8
Milwaukee
90.2
Madison
35.4
Racine
69.5
Kenosha
45.8
Wisconsin avg
65
City Profile

About Reeseville, WI

Economic Profile
$59,643
Median Income
$141,434
Median Home Value
$894/mo
Median Rent
9.1%
Unemployment
Community
32.9
Median Age
510
People / sq mi
12.5%
College Educated
64.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Reeseville, WI tap water safe to drink?

Reeseville's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #332 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.

What contaminants are in Reeseville's water?

Lead was measured at 4.9 ppb (90th percentile). 87 violations are on record.

How is Reeseville'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 Reeseville?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Reeseville's water come from?

Reeseville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 718 residents.

What health violations has Reeseville's water system had?

Reeseville has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.

Is Reeseville's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Reeseville 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 87 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 Reeseville's water compare to other cities?

Reeseville ranks #332 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 26% of state cities) and #10023 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Reeseville's small water system affect quality?

Reeseville's system serves approximately 718 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 87 violations on record.