Is West Baraboo, 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 ↓
85.9/100
waterverge.com West Baraboo, WI — Water Quality Report
West Baraboo's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,414 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about West Baraboo's water
West Baraboo ranks #152 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
West Baraboo 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, West Baraboo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Baraboo, WI water safe to drink?
West Baraboo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,414 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Baraboo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Baraboo's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 West Baraboo'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
West Baraboo's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sauk County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Wisconsin River, Devils Lake, Baraboo River.
Where does West Baraboo's water come from?
West Baraboo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,414 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wisconsin River (river), Devils Lake (lake), Baraboo River (river).
What West Baraboo 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.
West Baraboo'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 West Baraboo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near West Baraboo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SENECA FOODS CORP BARABOO, WI53913 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
CUSTOM PULTRUSIONS INC. BARABOO, WI53913 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
TEEL PIPE LLC BARABOO, WI53913 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of West Baraboo
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.
- SAUK COUNTY LANDFILL5.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Sauk County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in West Baraboo'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. | 0.7 | 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. | 1.58 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.580 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how West Baraboo compares by contaminant
Explore where West Baraboo ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Baraboo's water comes from
West Baraboo'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 1,414 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near West Baraboo
West Baraboo is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving West Baraboo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST BARABOO WATERWORKS | WI1570112 | 1,414 | GW |
How West Baraboo compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →West Baraboo's score of 85.9/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About West Baraboo, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Baraboo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sauk
Frequently asked questions
Is West Baraboo, WI tap water safe to drink?
West Baraboo's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #152 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in West Baraboo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is West Baraboo'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 West Baraboo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Baraboo's water come from?
West Baraboo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,414 residents.
Is West Baraboo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Baraboo 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 West Baraboo's water compare to other cities?
West Baraboo ranks #152 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 66% of state cities) and #5039 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does West Baraboo's small water system affect quality?
West Baraboo's system serves approximately 1,414 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.