Is Spooner, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.8/100
waterverge.com Spooner, WI — Water Quality Report
Spooner's drinking water received a grade of B (76.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,946 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 152 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Spooner's water
Spooner ranks #302 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Spooner 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, Spooner may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Spooner, WI water safe to drink?
Spooner's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,946 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Spooner
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spooner's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Spooner's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Spooner's water system has 152 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 9 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 Spooner's water come from?
Spooner's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,946 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Spooner residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spooner'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
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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Spooner compares by contaminant
Explore where Spooner ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Spooner's water comes from
Spooner'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 2,946 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Spooner
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPOONER WATERWORKS | WI8660305 | 2,653 | GW |
| BEAVER BROOK SANITARY DISTRICT | WI8660734 | 200 | GWP |
| BULIKS MOBILE HOME PARK | WI8660306 | 93 | GW |
How Spooner compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Spooner's score of 76.8/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Spooner, WI
Wikipedia →Spooner is a city in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,573 at the 2020 census. The city is located mostly within the southwest corner of the Town of Spooner, with a small portion extending into the Town of Beaver Brook on the south, the Town of Bashaw on the southwest, and the Town of Evergreen on the west. The city's nickname, "Crossroads of the North", is a reference to the city's location at the junction of two U.S. highways, 53 and 63, and State Highways 70 and 253.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Spooner's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washburn
Frequently asked questions
Is Spooner, WI tap water safe to drink?
Spooner's water quality earned a grade of B (76.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #302 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Spooner's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 152 violations are on record.
How is Spooner'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 Spooner?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Spooner's water come from?
Spooner's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,946 residents.
What health violations has Spooner's water system had?
Spooner has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Spooner's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Spooner 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 152 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 Spooner's water compare to other cities?
Spooner ranks #302 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 32% of state cities) and #9182 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.