Is Whitelaw, 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 ↓
74.9/100
waterverge.com Whitelaw, WI — Water Quality Report
Whitelaw's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 757 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 14 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Whitelaw's water
Whitelaw ranks #323 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Whitelaw 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, Whitelaw may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Whitelaw, WI water safe to drink?
Whitelaw's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 757 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Whitelaw
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Whitelaw's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-496). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Whitelaw's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Whitelaw's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc River.
Where does Whitelaw's water come from?
Whitelaw's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 757 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Manitowoc River (river).
What Whitelaw residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Whitelaw'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.
Whitelaw'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 Whitelaw
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Whitelaw, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 16 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BROADWIND TOWERS & HEAVY FABRICATIONS MANITOWOC, WI54221 | Manganese | 15 | 8.8 mi |
MANITOWOC PUBLIC UTILITIES MANITOWOC, WI54220 | Vanadium compounds | 1 | 9.5 mi |
ECK INDUSTRIES MANITOWOC, WI54220 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
PARKER HANNIFIN CORP PARFLEX DIV MANITOWOC, WI54220 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
JAGEMANN PLATING CO MANITOWOC, WI54220 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Whitelaw
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.
- LEMBERGER TRANSPORT RECYCLING1.5 mi
- LEMBERGER LANDFILL INC1.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Manitowoc 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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Whitelaw compares by contaminant
Explore where Whitelaw ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Whitelaw's water comes from
Whitelaw'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 757 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Whitelaw
Whitelaw is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Whitelaw
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITELAW WATERWORKS | WI4360439 | 757 | GW |
How Whitelaw compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Whitelaw's score of 74.9/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Whitelaw, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Whitelaw's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Manitowoc
Frequently asked questions
Is Whitelaw, WI tap water safe to drink?
Whitelaw's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #323 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Whitelaw's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Whitelaw'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 Whitelaw?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Whitelaw's water come from?
Whitelaw's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 757 residents.
What health violations has Whitelaw's water system had?
Whitelaw has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Whitelaw's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Whitelaw 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 Whitelaw's water compare to other cities?
Whitelaw ranks #323 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 28% of state cities) and #9723 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Whitelaw's small water system affect quality?
Whitelaw's system serves approximately 757 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.