Is Rothschild, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83/100
waterverge.com Rothschild, WI — Water Quality Report
Rothschild's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,190 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.3 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 86 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rothschild's water
Rothschild ranks #207 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Rothschild 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, Rothschild may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rothschild, WI water safe to drink?
Rothschild's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,190 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rothschild
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rothschild's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83/100).
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-376). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rothschild'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
Rothschild's water system has 86 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marathon County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Eau Claire River, Wisconsin River.
Where does Rothschild's water come from?
Rothschild's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,190 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Eau Claire River (river), Wisconsin River (river).
What Rothschild residents can do
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 Rothschild
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rothschild, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 61,973 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AHLSTROM MOSINEE LLC MOSINEE, WI54455 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 46,275 | 6.8 mi |
DOMTAR PAPER CO LLC ROTHSCHILD, WI54474 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 13,394 | 1.0 mi |
BORREGAARD USA INC. ROTHSCHILD, WI54474 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 1,235 | 1.0 mi |
WESTON POWER PLANT MOSINEE, WI54455 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 1,019 | 1.7 mi |
KERRY INC. ROTHSCHILD ROTHSCHILD, WI54474 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 50 | 1.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Rothschild
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- WAUSAU GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION7.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Marathon County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Rothschild'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. | 7.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rothschild compares by contaminant
Explore where Rothschild ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rothschild's water comes from
Rothschild'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 3,190 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rothschild
Rothschild is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rothschild
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROTHSCHILD WATERWORKS | WI7370161 | 3,190 | GW |
How Rothschild compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Rothschild's score of 83/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Rothschild, WI
Wikipedia →Rothschild is a village in Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States. It is part of the Wausau, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 5,567 at the 2020 census. Rothschild is the northern terminus of Interstate 39, which starts in Normal, Illinois.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rothschild's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marathon
Frequently asked questions
Is Rothschild, WI tap water safe to drink?
Rothschild's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #207 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Rothschild's water?
Lead was measured at 7.3 ppb (90th percentile). 86 violations are on record.
How is Rothschild'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 Rothschild?
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 Rothschild's water come from?
Rothschild's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,190 residents.
What health violations has Rothschild's water system had?
Rothschild has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rothschild's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rothschild 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 86 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 Rothschild's water compare to other cities?
Rothschild ranks #207 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 54% of state cities) and #6647 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rothschild's small water system affect quality?
Rothschild's system serves approximately 3,190 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 86 violations on record.