WaterVerge

Is Spring Valley, 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 ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: WI6480249
Overall Score
85.7 / 100
Violations
6 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#159 of 446 in Wisconsin Top 33% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.7/100
waterverge.com
A- 85.7/100

Spring Valley, WI — Water Quality Report

Spring Valley's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,409 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 9 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Spring Valley's water

Spring Valley ranks #159 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Spring Valley 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 Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.7 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.7/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Spring Valley, WI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Spring Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,409 residents using groundwater (wells).

6
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Spring Valley

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 Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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

Disaster
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES

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 Spring Valley's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Spring Valley's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

MROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2012 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2007 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2003 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Aug 1996 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Pierce County has experienced 5 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 Eau Galle River.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3249
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA DR-1369
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-964

Where does Spring Valley's water come from?

Spring Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,409 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Eau Galle River (river).

What Spring Valley residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spring Valley'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 Valley'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

9
Total violations
2
Health-based
6
Active / unresolved
Jan 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

9 Total
6 Active
2 Health-based
3 Resolved
Violations by category
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Jan 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2007 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 1993 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 1996
Jul 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1995
Jul 1993 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1994
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Spring Valley

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CADY CHEESE LLC
Food · BURNETT DAIRY COOPERATIVE
WILSON, WI54027
2.8 mi
MCMILLAN ELECTRIC CO
Electrical Equipment · NA
WOODVILLE, WI54028
7.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Pierce County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3249
May 2001
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #1369
Sep 1992
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #964
Jul 1980
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #626
May 1969
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #260

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.9 ppb from 1993 (2.9 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Spring Valley compares by contaminant

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

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,409
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Spring Valley's water comes from

Groundwater

Spring Valley'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 1,409 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Spring Valley

Spring Valley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Eau Galle River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Spring Valley

System Name PWSID Population Source
SPRING VALLEY WATERWORKS WI6480249 1,409 GW
Regional Comparison

How Spring Valley compares

Full Wisconsin rankings →

Spring Valley's score of 85.7/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Spring Valley (this city)
85.7
Milwaukee
90.2
Madison
35.4
Racine
69.5
Kenosha
45.8
Wisconsin avg
65
City Profile

About Spring Valley, WI

Economic Profile
$61,867
Median Income
$187,607
Median Home Value
$853/mo
Median Rent
5.4%
Unemployment
Community
40.4
Median Age
125
People / sq mi
28.1%
College Educated
70.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Spring Valley, WI tap water safe to drink?

Spring Valley's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #159 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.

What contaminants are in Spring Valley's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.

How is Spring Valley'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 Valley?

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

Where does Spring Valley's water come from?

Spring Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,409 residents.

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

Spring Valley has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.

Is Spring Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Spring Valley 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 9 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 Valley's water compare to other cities?

Spring Valley ranks #159 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 64% of state cities) and #5175 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Spring Valley's small water system affect quality?

Spring Valley's system serves approximately 1,409 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 9 violations on record.