Is Waldo, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.6/100
waterverge.com Waldo, WI — Water Quality Report
Waldo's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Waldo's water
Waldo ranks #162 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Waldo 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, Waldo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Waldo, WI water safe to drink?
Waldo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Waldo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waldo's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-775). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Waldo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Waldo's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sheboygan County has experienced 4 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.
Where does Waldo's water come from?
Waldo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Waldo residents can do
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.
Waldo'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 Waldo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Waldo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,803 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ACTUS NUTRITION-ADELL ADELL, WI53001 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,749 | 4.0 mi |
KOHLER CO KOHLER, WI530441500 | Manganese | 54 | 9.5 mi |
WILLMAN INDUSTRIES INC CEDAR GROVE, WI53013 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
MILLENNIUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC PLYMOUTH, WI53073 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
SARTORI CO PLYMOUTH, WI53073 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sheboygan County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Waldo's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.81 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.811 mg/L (2020)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Waldo compares by contaminant
Explore where Waldo ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waldo's water comes from
Waldo'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 500 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Waldo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WALDO WATERWORKS | WI4600456 | 500 | GW |
How Waldo compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Waldo's score of 85.6/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Waldo, WI
Wikipedia →Waldo is a village along the Onion River in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 467 at the 2020 census. It has a post office with ZIP code 53093. It is included in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waldo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sheboygan
Frequently asked questions
Is Waldo, WI tap water safe to drink?
Waldo's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #162 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Waldo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Waldo'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 Waldo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Waldo's water come from?
Waldo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.
What health violations has Waldo's water system had?
Waldo has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Waldo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Waldo 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 2 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 Waldo's water compare to other cities?
Waldo ranks #162 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 64% of state cities) and #5248 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 Waldo's small water system affect quality?
Waldo's system serves approximately 500 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 2 violations on record.