Water Quality in Oconto Falls, WI: 2 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 67/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Oconto Falls's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Oconto Falls, WI surfaces 2 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Oconto Falls
Water quality varies across Oconto Falls's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54154 | C | 67 | 2 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Oconto Falls, Wisconsin receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 67 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Oconto Falls have accumulated 2 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,972 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Oconto Falls's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Oconto Falls water systems is 0.0110 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 65% of homes built before 1986, Oconto Falls 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
Oconto Falls is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Oconto Falls
Oconto Falls is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,972 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 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Oconto Falls. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Oconto Falls
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 Oconto Falls Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Oconto Falls's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Oconto Falls. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-04-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-04-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-03-02 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-12.
Oconto Falls vs. Nearby Wisconsin Cities
How Oconto Falls's water quality compares to similar cities in Wisconsin:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oconto Falls | C | 2 | 2 | 2,972 |
| Amery | B | 4 | 1 | 2,962 |
| Lake Delton | B | 2 | 2 | 2,989 |
| Park Falls | B | 0 | 1 | 2,993 |
Common Questions About Oconto Falls Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin:
Is Oconto Falls water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Oconto Falls's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Oconto Falls tap water? Oconto Falls's water receives a grade of C (67/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Oconto Falls? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Oconto Falls vs. Wisconsin Average
Understanding how Oconto Falls 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 Oconto Falls.
ZIP Codes in Oconto Falls
Oconto Falls spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 54154. 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.