Water Quality in Marshfield, WI: 24 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 52/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Marshfield's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Marshfield, WI log 24 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Marshfield
Water quality varies across Marshfield's 3 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54404 | F | 32 | 8 | 1 | View report → |
| 54472 | F | 32 | 8 | 1 | View report → |
| 54449 | D | 44 | 8 | 1 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Marshfield.
Water Quality Overview
Marshfield, Wisconsin receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 52 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Marshfield have accumulated 24 EPA violations, including 3 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 3 ZIP codes serving approximately 19,360 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Marshfield'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 Marshfield water systems is 0.0270 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 3 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 67% of homes built before 1986, Marshfield 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
Marshfield is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Marshfield
Marshfield is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 19,360 people across 3 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 30 enforcement actions against water systems serving Marshfield. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Marshfield
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 Marshfield Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Marshfield's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 9 | 3 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 3 | 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 Marshfield:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 3 |
| 2025 | 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 Marshfield. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-05 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-07-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-08-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-08-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-07-27 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-08.
Marshfield vs. Nearby Wisconsin Cities
How Marshfield's water quality compares to similar cities in Wisconsin:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshfield | D | 24 | 5 | 19,360 |
| Hewitt | D | 0 | 1 | 18,815 |
| Rudolph | D | 0 | 1 | 20,000 |
| Cudahy | B | 0 | 1 | 18,659 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Marshfield
Water quality varies across Marshfield's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
Common Questions About Marshfield Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Marshfield, Wisconsin:
Is Marshfield water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Marshfield's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Marshfield tap water? Marshfield's water receives a grade of D (52/100). There are 3 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Marshfield? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Marshfield vs. Wisconsin Average
Understanding how Marshfield 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 Marshfield.
ZIP Codes in Marshfield
Marshfield spans 3 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 54404. 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.