Is Wisconsin Dells, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
40.3/100
waterverge.com Wisconsin Dells, WI — Water Quality Report
Wisconsin Dells's drinking water received a grade of F (40.3 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,487 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.7 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 36 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wisconsin Dells's water
Wisconsin Dells ranks #438 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Wisconsin Dells 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.
The system has seen 28 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wisconsin Dells, WI water safe to drink?
Wisconsin Dells's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (40.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,487 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wisconsin Dells
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wisconsin Dells's water quality assessment. Grade: F (40.3/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, CYANIDE, 2,3,7,8-TCDD.
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 Wisconsin Dells'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
Wisconsin Dells's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 28 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbia County has experienced 2 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, Baraboo River.
Where does Wisconsin Dells's water come from?
Wisconsin Dells's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 3,487 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), Baraboo River (river).
What Wisconsin Dells residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wisconsin Dells'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Wisconsin Dells
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 LANDFILL10.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Columbia County has experienced 2 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 Wisconsin Dells'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. | 3.7 | 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. | 1.75 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 4.550 mg/L (2020)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Wisconsin Dells compares by contaminant
Explore where Wisconsin Dells ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wisconsin Dells's water comes from
Wisconsin Dells'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 3,487 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wisconsin Dells
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WISCONSIN DELLS WATERWORKS | WI1110113 | 3,232 | GW |
| DELLS CLUB CONDO ASSOC 1 | WI7010423 | 75 | GW |
| DELLS CLUB CONDO ASSOC 2 | WI7010424 | 75 | GW |
| DELLS CLUB CONDO ASSOC 3 | WI7010425 | 75 | GW |
| DELLS ESTATES | WI1111017 | 30 | GW |
How Wisconsin Dells compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Wisconsin Dells's score of 40.3/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Wisconsin Dells, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wisconsin Dells's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Is Wisconsin Dells, WI tap water safe to drink?
Wisconsin Dells's water quality earned a grade of F (40.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #438 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Wisconsin Dells's water?
Lead was measured at 3.7 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Wisconsin Dells'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 Wisconsin Dells?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wisconsin Dells's water come from?
Wisconsin Dells's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 3,487 residents.
What health violations has Wisconsin Dells's water system had?
Wisconsin Dells has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wisconsin Dells's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells's water compare to other cities?
Wisconsin Dells ranks #438 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 2% of state cities) and #15151 out of 15744 cities nationally (4th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.