Is Wautoma, 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 ↓
92/100
waterverge.com Wautoma, WI — Water Quality Report
Wautoma's drinking water received a grade of A (92 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,382 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 43 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wautoma's water
Wautoma ranks #37 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Wautoma 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, Wautoma may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wautoma, WI water safe to drink?
Wautoma's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (92/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,382 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wautoma
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wautoma's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Radium-228.
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 Wautoma's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wautoma's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Waushara County has experienced 3 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 Lake Huron.
Where does Wautoma's water come from?
Wautoma's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,382 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lake Huron (lake).
What Wautoma residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wautoma'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.
Wautoma'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 Wautoma
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wautoma, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MILSCO MANUFACTURING CO REDGRANITE REDGRANITE, WI54970 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Waushara County has experienced 3 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. | 0.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wautoma compares by contaminant
Explore where Wautoma ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wautoma's water comes from
Wautoma'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 2,382 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Wautoma
Wautoma is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wautoma
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAUTOMA WATER DEPT | WI4700718 | 2,280 | GW |
| DAKOTA CAPITAL MHC LLC | WI4700271 | 102 | GW |
How Wautoma compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Wautoma's score of 92/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Wautoma, WI
Wikipedia →Wautoma is a city in and the county seat of Waushara County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,209 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wautoma's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Waushara
Frequently asked questions
Is Wautoma, WI tap water safe to drink?
Wautoma's water quality earned a grade of A (92/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #37 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Wautoma's water?
Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.
How is Wautoma'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 Wautoma?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wautoma's water come from?
Wautoma's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,382 residents.
Is Wautoma's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wautoma 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 43 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 Wautoma's water compare to other cities?
Wautoma ranks #37 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 92% of state cities) and #1407 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.