WaterVerge

Is Webster, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 3 water systems PWSID: 055295902
Overall Score
83.2 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#199 of 446 in Wisconsin Top 42% nationally
Native American
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
83.2/100
waterverge.com
B+ 83.2/100

Webster, WI — Water Quality Report

Webster's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,077 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 77 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Webster's water

Webster ranks #199 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
83.2 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
33.2/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.1 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 Webster, WI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Webster's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,077 residents using groundwater (wells).

8
Active Violations
2.1 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Webster

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Webster's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4383). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Webster's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.1 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Webster's water system has 77 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2018 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Nov 2017 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Nov 2017 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Burnett County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2001. 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 North Fork Clam River, Clam River, Clam R..

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4383
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3249
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA DR-1369

Where does Webster's water come from?

Webster's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,077 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Clam River (river), Clam River (river), Clam R. (stream).

What Webster residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Webster'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
2.1 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 14% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

77
Total violations
13
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Jul 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

77 Total
8 Active
13 Health-based
69 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
38
Inorganic Chemicals
24
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Revised Total Coliform Rule
2
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2004 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2003 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Nov 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Nov 2017
Nov 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Nov 2017
Oct 2017 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2017
Jan 2017 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Nickel
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Antimony, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Beryllium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Thallium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Showing 20 of 77 violations
Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Webster

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Aug 2018
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Burnett County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2001. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2018
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4383
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3249
May 2001
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #1369

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.1 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 (6.6 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Native American
Population Served
2,077
Water Systems
3
Water Source

Where Webster's water comes from

Groundwater

Webster'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 2,077 people through 3 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Webster

Webster is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

North Fork Clam River
river
Clam River
river
Clam R.
stream
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Webster

System Name PWSID Population Source
HERTEL WEST 055295902 1,281 GW
WEBSTER WATERWORKS WI8070312 652 GW
MAPLE PLAIN 055295901 144 GW
Regional Comparison

How Webster compares

Full Wisconsin rankings →

Webster's score of 83.2/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Webster (this city)
83.2
Milwaukee
90.2
Madison
35.4
Racine
69.5
Kenosha
45.8
Wisconsin avg
65
Service Area

ZIP codes served by Webster

The water systems serving Webster cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.

City Profile

About Webster, WI

Wikipedia →

Michael Lewis Webster was an American professional football center in the National Football League (NFL) from 1974 to 1990 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, class of 1997. Nicknamed "Iron Mike", Webster anchored the Steelers' offensive line during much of their run of four Super Bowl victories from 1974 to 1979 and is considered by many the greatest center in NFL history.

Economic Profile
$40,938
Median Income
$120,671
Median Home Value
$573/mo
Median Rent
0%
Unemployment
Community
39.6
Median Age
147
People / sq mi
17.5%
College Educated
44%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Webster, WI tap water safe to drink?

Webster's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #199 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.

What contaminants are in Webster's water?

Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 77 violations are on record.

How is Webster'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 Webster?

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

Where does Webster's water come from?

Webster's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,077 residents.

What health violations has Webster's water system had?

Webster has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.

Is Webster's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Webster 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 77 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 Webster's water compare to other cities?

Webster ranks #199 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 55% of state cities) and #6553 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.