Hertel, WI Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Hertel, EPA data shows a below-average compliance pattern for WI — health-based violations are on file in several areas, and checking the specific system serving your address is a practical first step for concerned residents.
How Hertel Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Hertel Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 42% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.71 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Hertel
Across most of Hertel, WI, residential water comes from a single utility. That provider sets rates, manages infrastructure maintenance, and files compliance reports with the EPA on behalf of the households it serves. Federal tracking data shows 1 system on record, but one carries the bulk of the service load.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Hertel, Wisconsin (population ~122), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 950 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Hertel — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hertel: D (53/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Hertel water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Hertel
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54845 | D | SHELL LAKE WATERWORKS | 950 |
All ZIP Codes in Hertel
- 54845 [D]
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
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Hertel
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Hertel's Housing Stock?
With 42% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Over the decades, Hertel accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 1995 places the midpoint of that stock near the 1986 threshold when lead solder in plumbing became federally prohibited — leaving a sizable share of homes on each side of that safety line.
Most homes in Hertel were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Hertel: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Placing remediation in the context of Hertel's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.
Remediation costs in Hertel are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 51% below the Wisconsin average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Hertel
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 42% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Hertel.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Hertel
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 42% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Hertel, WI