Is Stratford, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.9/100
waterverge.com Stratford, WI — Water Quality Report
Stratford's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,643 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 38 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stratford's water
Stratford ranks #192 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Stratford 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, Stratford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stratford, WI water safe to drink?
Stratford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,643 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Stratford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stratford's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Tetrachloroethylene, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-376). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stratford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Stratford's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marathon County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Big Eau Pleine River.
Where does Stratford's water come from?
Stratford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,643 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Eau Pleine River (river).
What Stratford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stratford'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Stratford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Stratford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MULLINS CHEESE INC MARSHFIELD, WI54449 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
A&B PROCESS SYSTEMS STRATFORD, WI54484 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Stratford
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- MID STATE DISPOSAL INC LANDFILL3.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Marathon County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Stratford compares by contaminant
Explore where Stratford ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stratford's water comes from
Stratford'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 1,643 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Stratford
Stratford is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Stratford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRATFORD WATERWORKS | WI7370168 | 1,643 | GW |
How Stratford compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Stratford's score of 83.9/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Stratford, WI
Wikipedia →Stratford is a village in Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States. It is part of the Wausau, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,581 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stratford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marathon
Frequently asked questions
Is Stratford, WI tap water safe to drink?
Stratford's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #192 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Stratford's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Stratford'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 Stratford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stratford's water come from?
Stratford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,643 residents.
What health violations has Stratford's water system had?
Stratford has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Stratford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Stratford 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 38 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 Stratford's water compare to other cities?
Stratford ranks #192 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 57% of state cities) and #6187 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Stratford's small water system affect quality?
Stratford's system serves approximately 1,643 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 38 violations on record.