Is Trempealeau, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.7/100
waterverge.com Trempealeau, WI — Water Quality Report
Trempealeau's drinking water received a grade of A (90.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,888 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 72 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Trempealeau's water
Trempealeau ranks #64 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Trempealeau 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, Trempealeau may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Trempealeau, WI water safe to drink?
Trempealeau's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,888 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Trempealeau
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Trempealeau's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.7/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Chlorine.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Xylenes, Total, DICHLOROMETHANE.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Trempealeau's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Trempealeau's water system has 72 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Trempealeau County has experienced 4 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 Trempealeau River.
Where does Trempealeau's water come from?
Trempealeau's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,888 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Trempealeau River (river).
What Trempealeau residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Trempealeau'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.
Trempealeau'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Trempealeau
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Trempealeau, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MILLER WASTE MILLS DBA RTP CO WINONA, MN55987 | Antimony compounds | 5 | 9.1 mi |
GEA FARM TECHNOLOGIES INC. GALESVILLE, WI54630 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
BADGER FOUNDRY CO WINONA, MN55987 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
WILLET HAUSER ARCHITECTURAL GLASS WINONA, MN55987 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
MIDWEST METAL PRODUCTS INC WINONA, MN55987 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Trempealeau
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.
- ONALASKA MUNICIPAL LANDFILL5.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Trempealeau County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Trempealeau compares by contaminant
Explore where Trempealeau ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Trempealeau's water comes from
Trempealeau'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 1,888 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Trempealeau
Trempealeau is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Trempealeau
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TREMPEALEAU WATERWORKS | WI6620332 | 1,888 | GW |
How Trempealeau compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Trempealeau's score of 90.7/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Trempealeau, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Trempealeau's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Trempealeau
Frequently asked questions
Is Trempealeau, WI tap water safe to drink?
Trempealeau's water quality earned a grade of A (90.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #64 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Trempealeau's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 72 violations are on record.
How is Trempealeau'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 Trempealeau?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Trempealeau's water come from?
Trempealeau's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,888 residents.
What health violations has Trempealeau's water system had?
Trempealeau has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Trempealeau's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Trempealeau 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 72 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 Trempealeau's water compare to other cities?
Trempealeau ranks #64 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 86% of state cities) and #2083 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Trempealeau's small water system affect quality?
Trempealeau's system serves approximately 1,888 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 72 violations on record.