Is Somerset, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.1/100
waterverge.com Somerset, WI — Water Quality Report
Somerset's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,929 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 11.5 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 47 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Somerset's water
Somerset ranks #340 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Somerset 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, Somerset may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Somerset, WI water safe to drink?
Somerset's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,929 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Somerset
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Somerset's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Somerset'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
Somerset's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Somerset's water come from?
Somerset's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,929 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Apple River Above 05341499 (river), St. Croix River (river).
What Somerset residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Somerset'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 Somerset
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Somerset, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 173 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
XCEL ENERGY A. S. KING GENERATING PLANT BAYPORT, MN55003 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 173 | 8.4 mi |
NOR-LAKE INC HUDSON, WI54016 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
CRM - NEW RICHMOND NEW RICHMOND, WI54017 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
PHILLIPS MEDISIZE ST. CROIX MEADOWS HUDSON, WI54016 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
ANDERSEN CORP BAYPORT, MN55003 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Somerset'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. | 11.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Somerset compares by contaminant
Explore where Somerset ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Somerset's water comes from
Somerset'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 2,929 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Somerset
Somerset is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Somerset
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOMERSET WATERWORKS | WI6560137 | 2,854 | GW |
| COUNTRY VIEW HOLDINGS LLC | WI6560136 | 75 | GW |
How Somerset compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Somerset's score of 72.1/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Somerset, WI
Wikipedia →Somerset is a village in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, United States, along the Apple River. The population was 3,019 at the 2020 census. The village is located within the Town of Somerset.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Somerset's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Croix
Frequently asked questions
Is Somerset, WI tap water safe to drink?
Somerset's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #340 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Somerset's water?
Lead was measured at 11.5 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Somerset'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 Somerset?
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 Somerset's water come from?
Somerset's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,929 residents.
What health violations has Somerset's water system had?
Somerset has 10 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Somerset's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Somerset 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 47 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 Somerset's water compare to other cities?
Somerset ranks #340 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 24% of state cities) and #10438 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.