Water Quality in Ashland, WI: 10 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 45/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Ashland's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
SDWIS records for Ashland, WI show 10 EPA violations documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ashland
Water quality varies across Ashland's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54806 | D | 45 | 10 | 4 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Ashland.
Water Quality Overview
Ashland, Wisconsin receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 45 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Ashland have accumulated 10 EPA violations, including 4 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 8,000 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Ashland's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Ashland water systems is 0.0180 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 71% of homes built before 1986, Ashland has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Ashland is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Ashland
Ashland is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 8,000 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ashland. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Ashland
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Ashland Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Ashland's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | Yes |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 3 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Ashland:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 | 3 | 3 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ashland. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-10-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-08-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-08-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-06-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-06-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-17 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-10-11.
Ashland vs. Nearby Wisconsin Cities
How Ashland's water quality compares to similar cities in Wisconsin:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland | D | 10 | 1 | 8,000 |
| Odanah | D | 0 | 1 | 8,000 |
| Jefferson | D | 10 | 1 | 7,926 |
| Big Bend | D | 0 | 1 | 8,150 |
Common Questions About Ashland Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Ashland, Wisconsin:
Is Ashland water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Ashland's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Ashland tap water? Ashland's water receives a grade of D (45/100). There are 4 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Ashland? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Ashland vs. Wisconsin Average
Understanding how Ashland compares to the broader Wisconsin average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Ashland.
ZIP Codes in Ashland
Ashland spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 54806. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.