Douglas County, Wisconsin
10 ZIP codes · Avg score 60/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike top-rated counties, Douglas County's 10 ZIP codes carry a fair number of documented violations — chlorine compliance and disinfection byproduct limits are the categories most often cited in recent data.
How Douglas County Compares
How Douglas County Compares
Douglas County scores 6 points below the Wisconsin state average (66/100) and 8 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Douglas County, Wisconsin
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 13.6 (asthma 11%, diabetes 11.7%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,477, driven primarily by sea_level
Infrastructure: 0.37% avg pipe failure probability, 11% of ZIPs at high risk
59.3% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2021–2025)
↑ Worsening trendEPA violation counts by year across Douglas County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2025 with 9 violations. Past 5 years: 16 total (16 health-based). Health-based violations are rising versus the prior 2-year window — worth closer monitoring.
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,477
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
23,482 housing units in Douglas County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Douglas County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Douglas County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Douglas County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 4 systems in Douglas County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Superior Water Light & Power Company | 26,084 | 45 |
| 2 | Manitou Falls Sanitary District No 1 | 95 | 40 |
| 3 | MIDDLE RIVER HEALTH AND REHAB CENTER | 200 | 5 |
| 4 | Gordon Correctional Center | 124 | 3 |
All ZIP Codes in Douglas County
10 ZIP codes tracked in Douglas County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 54874 | South Range | 82 | B | 5 (1 health) | $207K |
| 2 | 54838 | Gordon | 80 | B | 3 | $236K |
| 3 | 54880 | Superior | 61 | C | 40 (9 health) | $177K |
| 4 | 54873 | Solon Springs | 55 | C | 0 | $233K |
| 5 | 54836 | Foxboro | 53 | D | 0 | $196K |
| 6 | 54842 | Hawthorne | 53 | D | 0 | $196K |
| 7 | 54849 | Lake Nebagamon | 53 | D | 0 | $254K |
| 8 | 54854 | Maple | 53 | D | 0 | $183K |
| 9 | 54864 | Poplar | 53 | D | 0 | $222K |
| 10 | 54890 | Wascott | 53 | D | 0 | — |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Douglas County
Federal and certification sources drive the ordering: EPA monitoring data, NSF certifications, FEMA flood maps, and CDC lead guidance — guides surface only when county data warrants them.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 59.3% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Douglas County, Wisconsin
Overview
Douglas County in Wisconsin covers 10 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (60/100).
3 of 10 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 10 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to Wisconsin water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.