Is South Wayne, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88/100
waterverge.com South Wayne, WI — Water Quality Report
South Wayne's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 576 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 86 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about South Wayne's water
South Wayne ranks #115 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
South Wayne 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, South Wayne may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Wayne, WI water safe to drink?
South Wayne's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 576 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for South Wayne
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Wayne's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
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 South Wayne's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
South Wayne's water system has 86 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lafayette County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Pecatonica River.
Where does South Wayne's water come from?
South Wayne's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 576 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pecatonica River (river).
What South Wayne residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in South Wayne'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.
South Wayne'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of South Wayne
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near South Wayne, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GREDE-BROWNTOWN BROWNTOWN, WI53522 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lafayette County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how South Wayne compares by contaminant
Explore where South Wayne ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Wayne's water comes from
South Wayne'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 576 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near South Wayne
South Wayne is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving South Wayne
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH WAYNE WATERWORKS | WI1330077 | 478 | GW |
| WIOTA SANITARY DISTRICT | WI1330078 | 98 | GW |
How South Wayne compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →South Wayne's score of 88/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About South Wayne, WI
Wikipedia →South Wayne is a village in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 446 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Wayne's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lafayette
Frequently asked questions
Is South Wayne, WI tap water safe to drink?
South Wayne's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #115 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in South Wayne's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 86 violations are on record.
How is South Wayne'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 South Wayne?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does South Wayne's water come from?
South Wayne's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 576 residents.
What health violations has South Wayne's water system had?
South Wayne has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is South Wayne's groundwater at risk of contamination?
South Wayne 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 South Wayne's water compare to other cities?
South Wayne ranks #115 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 74% of state cities) and #3739 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.