Manitowish Waters, WI Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Manitowish Waters reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in WI — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Manitowish Waters Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Manitowish Waters Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 68% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.02 — above typical levels.
Manitowish Waters's Water Providers
Because residential water in Manitowish Waters, WI flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 954 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Manitowish Waters — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Manitowish Waters: 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
Manitowish Waters water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Manitowish Waters
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54545 | D | MERCER SANITARY DISTRICT | 760 |
All ZIP Codes in Manitowish Waters
- 54545 [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.
Manitowish Waters Community Health Snapshot
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
Manitowish Waters Infrastructure Age
With 68% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Manitowish Waters's housing stock carries a median build year of 1975. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Manitowish Waters were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Manitowish Waters
What does remediation cost in financial context for Manitowish Waters homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in Manitowish Waters are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 180% above the Wisconsin average.
Manitowish Waters: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
When older housing represents 68% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Manitowish Waters address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Manitowish Waters
- 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 68% 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 Manitowish Waters, WI