Is Washburn, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.5/100
waterverge.com Washburn, WI — Water Quality Report
Washburn's drinking water received a grade of B (77.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,280 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.6 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 14 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Washburn's water
Washburn ranks #296 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Washburn 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, Washburn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Washburn, WI water safe to drink?
Washburn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,280 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Washburn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Washburn's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4383). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Washburn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Washburn's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bayfield County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Whittlesey Creek, Beartrap Creek, Ashland Breakwater Lighthouse Chequamegon Bay.
Where does Washburn's water come from?
Washburn's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,280 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Whittlesey Creek (river), Beartrap Creek (river), Ashland Breakwater Lighthouse Chequamegon Bay (lake).
What Washburn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Washburn'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.
Washburn'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 Washburn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Washburn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
C. G. BRETTING MANUFACTURING CO. INC. ASHLAND, WI54806 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
TODD'S REDI MIX CONCRETE ASHLAND, WI54806 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Washburn
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.
- ASHLAND NORTHERN STATES POWER LAKEFRONT5.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Bayfield County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 4.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Washburn compares by contaminant
Explore where Washburn ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Washburn's water comes from
Washburn'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 2,280 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Washburn
Washburn is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Washburn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WASHBURN WATERWORKS | WI8040132 | 2,280 | GW |
How Washburn compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Washburn's score of 77.5/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Washburn, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Washburn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bayfield
Frequently asked questions
Is Washburn, WI tap water safe to drink?
Washburn's water quality earned a grade of B (77.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #296 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Washburn's water?
Lead was measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Washburn'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 Washburn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Washburn's water come from?
Washburn's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,280 residents.
What health violations has Washburn's water system had?
Washburn has 7 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Washburn's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Washburn 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 14 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 Washburn's water compare to other cities?
Washburn ranks #296 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 34% of state cities) and #8983 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Washburn's small water system affect quality?
Washburn's system serves approximately 2,280 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 14 violations on record.