Is Winneconne, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
63.2/100
waterverge.com Winneconne, WI — Water Quality Report
Winneconne's drinking water received a grade of C (63.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,502 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 36 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Winneconne's water
Winneconne ranks #377 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Winneconne 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, Winneconne may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Winneconne, WI water safe to drink?
Winneconne's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,502 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Winneconne
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Winneconne's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
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 Winneconne'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
Winneconne's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Winnebago County has experienced 2 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 Wolf River.
Where does Winneconne's water come from?
Winneconne's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,502 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wolf River (river).
What Winneconne residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Winneconne'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.
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 Winneconne
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Winneconne, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMCOR PACKAGING INC OSHKOSH, WI54901 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
A P NONWEILER CO INC OSHKOSH, WI54901 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
OSHKOSH DEFENSE LLC OSHKOSH, WI54901 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
FOX RIVER VALLEY ETHANOL LLC OSHKOSH, WI54904 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
LAPHAM-HICKEY STEEL CORP OSHKOSH, WI54904 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Winnebago County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2001. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Winneconne'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. | 0.9 | 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. | 1.41 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.410 mg/L (2008)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Winneconne compares by contaminant
Explore where Winneconne ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Winneconne's water comes from
Winneconne'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 2,502 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Winneconne
Winneconne is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Winneconne
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WINNECONNE WATERWORKS | WI4710354 | 2,502 | GW |
How Winneconne compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Winneconne's score of 63.2/100 is on par with the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Winneconne, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Winneconne's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Winnebago
Frequently asked questions
Is Winneconne, WI tap water safe to drink?
Winneconne's water quality earned a grade of C (63.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #377 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Winneconne's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Winneconne'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 Winneconne?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Winneconne's water come from?
Winneconne's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,502 residents.
What health violations has Winneconne's water system had?
Winneconne has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Winneconne's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Winneconne 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 36 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 Winneconne's water compare to other cities?
Winneconne ranks #377 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 15% of state cities) and #11787 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Winneconne's small water system affect quality?
Winneconne's system serves approximately 2,502 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 36 violations on record.