WaterVerge

Is Spring Green, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 5 water systems PWSID: WI1570109
Overall Score
61.5 / 100
Violations
25 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#382 of 446 in Wisconsin Top 76% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
CGRADE
Water Quality Grade
61.5/100
waterverge.com
C 61.5/100

Spring Green, WI — Water Quality Report

Spring Green's drinking water received a grade of C (61.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,468 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 85 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Spring Green's water

Spring Green ranks #382 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Spring Green 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, Spring Green 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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
61.5 out of 100 Grade C
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
18.5/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Spring Green, WI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Spring Green's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,468 residents using groundwater (wells).

25
Active Violations
0.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Spring Green

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spring Green's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Radium-228, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, AND LANDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Spring Green's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 12.82 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Spring Green's water system has 85 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

TTMROtherMONRPTMCL
Most recent violations:
Dec 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Mar 2025 Radium-228 Resolved
Mar 2025 Combined Radium (-226 and -228) Resolved
Jul 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Sauk County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, AND LANDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4402
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3249
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-964

Where does Spring Green's water come from?

Spring Green's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 2,468 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Spring Green residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spring Green's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Spring Green'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 5% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
12.82 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

85
Total violations
14
Health-based
25
Active / unresolved
Dec 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

85 Total
25 Active
14 Health-based
60 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Total Coliform Rule
20
Lead and Copper Rule
15
Nitrate Rule
8
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
5
Dec 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2024 Active
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2020 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2019 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2017 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2017 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 85 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Spring Green

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Spring Green, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CARDINAL ROTAR
Fabricated Metals · CARDINAL GLASS INDUSTRIES
SPRING GREEN, WI53588
0.7 mi
CARDINAL GLASS
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CARDINAL GLASS INDUSTRIES
SPRING GREEN, WI53588
0.6 mi
CARDINAL CG
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CARDINAL GLASS INDUSTRIES
SPRING GREEN, WI53588
0.6 mi
CARDINAL GLASS
Fabricated Metals · CARDINAL GLASS INDUSTRIES
SPRING GREEN, WI53588
0.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Oct 2018
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Sauk County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2018
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, AND LANDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4402
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3249
Sep 1992
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #964
Mar 1976
SEVERE STORMS, ICING, WIND & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #496

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Spring Green's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.7 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 12.82 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 11.3 ppb from 1993 (12.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.7 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 12.825 mg/L (1994)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Contaminant Rankings

See how Spring Green compares by contaminant

Explore where Spring Green ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,468
Water Systems
5
Water Source

Where Spring Green's water comes from

Groundwater

Spring Green'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 2,468 people through 5 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Spring Green

System Name PWSID Population Source
SPRING GREEN WATERWORKS WI1570109 1,626 GW
HOUSE ON THE ROCK RESORT WI1250318 470 GW
SPRING GREEN ESTATES WI1570110 300 GW
SPRING GREEN ESTATES SOUTH WI1571282 40 GW
SPRING GREEN ESTATES NORTH WI1571284 32 GW
Regional Comparison

How Spring Green compares

Full Wisconsin rankings →

Spring Green's score of 61.5/100 is on par with the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Spring Green (this city)
61.5
Milwaukee
90.2
Madison
35.4
Racine
69.5
Kenosha
45.8
Wisconsin avg
65
City Profile

About Spring Green, WI

Wikipedia →

Spring Green is a village in Sauk County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,566 at the 2020 census. The village is located within the Town of Spring Green. It is perhaps best known for the architect Frank Lloyd Wright's estate Taliesin and related tourism.

Economic Profile
$87,813
Median Income
$207,588
Median Home Value
$1,003/mo
Median Rent
1.8%
Unemployment
Community
45.6
Median Age
356
People / sq mi
40.9%
College Educated
73.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Spring Green, WI tap water safe to drink?

Spring Green's water quality earned a grade of C (61.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #382 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.

What contaminants are in Spring Green's water?

Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 85 violations are on record.

How is Spring Green'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 Spring Green?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Spring Green's water come from?

Spring Green's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 2,468 residents.

What health violations has Spring Green's water system had?

Spring Green has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.

Is Spring Green's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Spring Green 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 85 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 Spring Green's water compare to other cities?

Spring Green ranks #382 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 14% of state cities) and #11980 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.