Is Star Prairie, 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 ↓
90/100
waterverge.com Star Prairie, WI — Water Quality Report
Star Prairie's drinking water received a grade of A (90 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 553 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.4 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 19 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Star Prairie's water
Star Prairie ranks #88 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Star Prairie 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, Star Prairie may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Star Prairie, WI water safe to drink?
Star Prairie's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 553 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Star Prairie
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Star Prairie's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nickel.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Star Prairie's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Star Prairie's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
Where does Star Prairie's water come from?
Star Prairie's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 553 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).
What Star Prairie residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Star Prairie'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Star Prairie
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Star Prairie, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CRM - NEW RICHMOND NEW RICHMOND, WI54017 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 0.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Star Prairie compares by contaminant
Explore where Star Prairie ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Star Prairie's water comes from
Star Prairie'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 553 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Star Prairie
Star Prairie is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Star Prairie
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAR PRAIRIE WATERWORKS | WI6560141 | 553 | GW |
How Star Prairie compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Star Prairie's score of 90/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Star Prairie, WI
Wikipedia →Star Prairie is a village in St. Croix County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 678 at the 2020 census. The village is located along the Apple River on the boundary between the Town of Star Prairie and the Town of Stanton.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Star Prairie's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Croix
Frequently asked questions
Is Star Prairie, WI tap water safe to drink?
Star Prairie's water quality earned a grade of A (90/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #88 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Star Prairie's water?
Lead was measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Star Prairie'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 Star Prairie?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Star Prairie's water come from?
Star Prairie's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 553 residents.
What health violations has Star Prairie's water system had?
Star Prairie has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Star Prairie's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Star Prairie 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 19 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 Star Prairie's water compare to other cities?
Star Prairie ranks #88 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 80% of state cities) and #2486 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Star Prairie's small water system affect quality?
Star Prairie's system serves approximately 553 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 19 violations on record.