Is Three Lakes, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
54.2/100
waterverge.com Three Lakes, WI — Water Quality Report
Three Lakes's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 815 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 29 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Three Lakes's water
Three Lakes ranks #398 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Three Lakes 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, Three Lakes may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Three Lakes, WI water safe to drink?
Three Lakes's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 815 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Three Lakes
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Three Lakes's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4459). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Three Lakes's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Three Lakes's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Oneida County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Three Lakes's water come from?
Three Lakes's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 815 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Three Lakes residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Three Lakes'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.
Three Lakes'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Oneida County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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. | 2.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Three Lakes compares by contaminant
Explore where Three Lakes ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Three Lakes's water comes from
Three Lakes'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 815 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Three Lakes
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| THREE LAKES SANITARY DISTRICT | WI7440129 | 500 | GW |
| NORTHERNAIRE SANITARY DISTRICT | WI7440812 | 315 | GW |
How Three Lakes compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Three Lakes's score of 54.2/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Three Lakes, WI
Wikipedia →Three Lakes is a town in Oneida County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,131 at the 2010 census. The census-designated place of Three Lakes is located in the town. The unincorporated community of Clearwater Lake is also located in the town.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Three Lakes's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oneida
Frequently asked questions
Is Three Lakes, WI tap water safe to drink?
Three Lakes's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #398 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Three Lakes's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Three Lakes'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 Three Lakes?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Three Lakes's water come from?
Three Lakes's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 815 residents.
What health violations has Three Lakes's water system had?
Three Lakes has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Three Lakes's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Three Lakes 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 29 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 Three Lakes's water compare to other cities?
Three Lakes ranks #398 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 11% of state cities) and #12626 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.