Is Shell Lake, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.3/100
waterverge.com Shell Lake, WI — Water Quality Report
Shell Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 950 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 25 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shell Lake's water
Shell Lake ranks #258 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Shell Lake 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, Shell Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shell Lake, WI water safe to drink?
Shell Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 950 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shell Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shell Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.3/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1369). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shell Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shell Lake's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washburn County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2001. 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 Shell Lake's water come from?
Shell Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 950 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Shell Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shell Lake'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.
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 Shell Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shell Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LEJEUNE STEEL CO. (2950 BARRONETT) BARRONETT, WI54813 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Washburn County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2001. 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shell Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Shell Lake ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shell Lake's water comes from
Shell Lake'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 950 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Shell Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHELL LAKE WATERWORKS | WI8660304 | 950 | GW |
How Shell Lake compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Shell Lake's score of 80.3/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Shell Lake, WI
Wikipedia →Shell Lake is a city in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,371 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Washburn County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shell Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washburn
Frequently asked questions
Is Shell Lake, WI tap water safe to drink?
Shell Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #258 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Shell Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Shell Lake'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 Shell Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shell Lake's water come from?
Shell Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 950 residents.
What health violations has Shell Lake's water system had?
Shell Lake has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Shell Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shell Lake 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 25 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 Shell Lake's water compare to other cities?
Shell Lake ranks #258 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 42% of state cities) and #7932 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Shell Lake's small water system affect quality?
Shell Lake's system serves approximately 950 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 25 violations on record.