WaterVerge

Is Wauzeka, 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 ↓

711 residents served 1 water system PWSID: WI6120253
Overall Score
92.6 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#31 of 446 in Wisconsin Top 8% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.6/100
waterverge.com
A 92.6/100

Wauzeka, WI — Water Quality Report

Wauzeka's drinking water received a grade of A (92.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 711 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 30 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Wauzeka's water

Wauzeka ranks #31 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Wauzeka 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, Wauzeka may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.6 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Wauzeka, WI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Wauzeka's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (92.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 711 residents using groundwater (wells).

4
Active Violations
1.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Wauzeka

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wauzeka's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, AND LANDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4288). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine, Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wauzeka's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Wauzeka's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

OtherMONMR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2016 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2016 Chlorine Resolved
Jan 2016 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 2012 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Crawford County has experienced 8 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 Kickapoo River.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, AND LANDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4402
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4288
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3249

Where does Wauzeka's water come from?

Wauzeka's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 711 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kickapoo River (river).

What Wauzeka residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wauzeka's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Wauzeka'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 9% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

30
Total violations
0
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Jul 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

30 Total
4 Active
0 Health-based
26 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1993 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2016 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jul 2016
Jan 2016 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2016
Jan 2016 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2016
Jan 1993 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Showing 20 of 30 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Oct 2018
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Crawford County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2018
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, AND LANDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4402
Oct 2016
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4288
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3249
May 2001
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #1369
Sep 1992
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #964
Mar 1976
SEVERE STORMS, ICING, WIND & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #496

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 6.6 ppb from 1993 (7.9 ppb) to 2023 (1.3 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
711
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Wauzeka's water comes from

Groundwater

Wauzeka'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 711 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Wauzeka

Wauzeka is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Kickapoo River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Wauzeka

System Name PWSID Population Source
WAUZEKA WATERWORKS WI6120253 711 GW
Regional Comparison

How Wauzeka compares

Full Wisconsin rankings →

Wauzeka's score of 92.6/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Wauzeka (this city)
92.6
Milwaukee
90.2
Madison
35.4
Racine
69.5
Kenosha
45.8
Wisconsin avg
65
City Profile

About Wauzeka, WI

Economic Profile
$70,000
Median Income
$113,773
Median Home Value
$684/mo
Median Rent
6.4%
Unemployment
Community
30
Median Age
59
People / sq mi
13.1%
College Educated
77.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Wauzeka, WI tap water safe to drink?

Wauzeka's water quality earned a grade of A (92.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #31 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.

What contaminants are in Wauzeka's water?

Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.

How is Wauzeka'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 Wauzeka?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Wauzeka's water come from?

Wauzeka's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 711 residents.

Is Wauzeka's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Wauzeka 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 30 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 Wauzeka's water compare to other cities?

Wauzeka ranks #31 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 93% of state cities) and #1194 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Wauzeka's small water system affect quality?

Wauzeka's system serves approximately 711 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 30 violations on record.