Manitowoc, WI Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water tracked for Manitowoc by WI authorities posts above-average scores — the majority of systems are free from health-based exceedances and the city's grade sits above the state median.
How Manitowoc Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Manitowoc Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0077 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.91 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Manitowoc
Manitowoc, WI is covered by 3 major water utilities out of 4 federally tracked systems, each managing its own pipes, treatment processes, and EPA filings. What a household gets from the tap depends on which provider's system serves that address.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 40,739 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Manitowoc — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Manitowoc: B (73/100)
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
Manitowoc water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0077 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54220 | B | Manitowoc Waterworks | 34,500 |
| 54221 | B | Manitowoc Waterworks | 34,500 |
All ZIP Codes in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc
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
Manitowoc: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Equity impact data for Manitowoc lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Manitowoc are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$1,700 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 31% below the Wisconsin average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Manitowoc
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.
Lead risk in Manitowoc appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Manitowoc
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Manitowoc falls in moderate-exposure territory — 13 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 50% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Manitowoc has a moderate flood history with 13 FEMA claims averaging $6,327 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,000</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Manitowoc, WI