Water Quality in Stevens Point, WI: 177 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 43/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Stevens Point's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA files for Stevens Point, WI document 177 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Stevens Point
Water quality varies across Stevens Point's 3 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54482 | D | 42 | 59 | 10 | View report → |
| 54492 | D | 42 | 59 | 10 | View report → |
| 54481 | D | 46 | 59 | 10 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Stevens Point.
Water Quality Overview
Stevens Point, Wisconsin receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 43 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Stevens Point have accumulated 177 EPA violations, including 30 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 3 ZIP codes serving approximately 29,400 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Stevens Point'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 Stevens Point water systems is 0.0024 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 58% of homes built before 1986, Stevens Point 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
Stevens Point is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Stevens Point
Stevens Point is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 29,400 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 Stevens Point. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Stevens Point
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 Stevens Point Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Stevens Point's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 36 | 3 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 30 | 3 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 30 | 3 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 24 | 3 | No |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 12 | 3 | Yes |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 6 | 3 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 3 | 3 | No |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 4 mg/L | 3 | 3 | Yes |
| Radium-226 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 3 | 3 | No |
| Arsenic | Inorganic | 0.01 mg/L | 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 Stevens Point:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 9 | 9 |
| 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 Stevens Point. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-07 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-10-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-09-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-08-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-07-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-06-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-02-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-01-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-01-27 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-07.
Stevens Point vs. Nearby Wisconsin Cities
How Stevens Point's water quality compares to similar cities in Wisconsin:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stevens Point | D | 177 | 5 | 29,400 |
| New Berlin | C | 2 | 1 | 27,899 |
| Custer | D | 0 | 1 | 26,717 |
| Oak Creek | B | 4 | 4 | 32,436 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Stevens Point
Water quality varies across Stevens Point's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
Common Questions About Stevens Point Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Stevens Point, Wisconsin:
Is Stevens Point water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Stevens Point's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Stevens Point tap water? Stevens Point's water receives a grade of D (43/100). There are 30 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Stevens Point? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Stevens Point vs. Wisconsin Average
Understanding how Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point.
ZIP Codes in Stevens Point
Stevens Point spans 3 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 54481. 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.