Sheldon Water Utility
EPA ID: WI8550278 · 265 people served · 3 ZIP codes
Sheldon Water Utility's current EPA file includes 8 unresolved violations — every outstanding finding is documented in federal records for this utility, which supplies water to approximately 265 residents across its service territory.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Compliance Trajectory
Worsening · Risk tier: High · 95% chance of violation in next 12 months
Violations went from 3 (2023) to 3 (2025). The pattern suggests growing compliance challenges.
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Sheldon Water Utility Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade C
Service Area Demographics
The Sheldon Water Utility serves a community with a median household income of $61,986 and an estimated 2,443 residents across its service area. Approximately 66% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
Environmental Justice Note: 42% of the population in this service area is classified as disadvantaged under EPA's EJScreen criteria. Communities with higher disadvantaged populations often face disproportionate environmental and health burdens, including aging water infrastructure and limited resources for remediation.
💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Sheldon Water Utility's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.
About 3% of homes in Taylor County, Wisconsin rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Sheldon Water Utility compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Lead at 2 mg/L (action level) exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.015 mg/L (action level). Brain damage in children, kidney & blood pressure in adults. Consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) at 4 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.06 mg/L. Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.08 mg/L. Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.
Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 7 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Lead and Copper Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Lead was detected in this water system. reverse osmosis filtration can reduce exposure.
Find a certified water filter →Comparable Water Systems
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Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.
System Overview
SHELDON WATER UTILITY (EPA ID: WI8550278) is a community water system in Wisconsin that serves approximately 265 people from groundwater sources.
This system provides water to 3 ZIP codes across 3 communities.
Average Home Safety Score: C (62/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2025 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| July 2, 2025 | Contaminant 0700 | Health-based | Resolved |
| July 2, 2025 | Lead and Copper Rule | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| May 1, 2025 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| January 1, 2025 | Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| September 21, 2024 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Health-based | Resolved |
| September 21, 2024 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2024 | Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| June 1, 2024 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| March 21, 2024 | Lead and Copper Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| November 2, 2023 | Chlorine residual | Health-based | Resolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| April 1, 2023 | Lead | Monitoring | Resolved |
| April 1, 2023 | Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| February 1, 2023 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| January 1, 2023 | Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Monitoring | Unresolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting Failure | 7 | Yes |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 4 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 2 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Failure | 2 | No |
| Contaminant 1032 | Other Violation | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 1 | No |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 1 | Yes |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other Violation | 1 | Yes |
Health Risk Details
Chlorine (Residual Disinfectant) (EPA limit: 4 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level))
Irritation & DBP formation at high levels; protective at normal treatment levels At-risk groups: people with asthma or chemical sensitivities, kidney dialysis patients (water must be dechlorinated).
Removal methods: granular activated carbon (GAC), KDF media filter, carbon block filter. Find the right filter →
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54766 | 0.00285 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Sheldon Water Utility (WI8550278) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sheldon Water Utility water safe to drink?
Sheldon Water Utility has recorded 3 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.
How many people does Sheldon Water Utility serve?
Sheldon Water Utility serves approximately 265 people across 3 ZIP codes in Wisconsin.
Where does Sheldon Water Utility get its water?
The primary water source is groundwater.
Lead Service Line Inventory
Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:
This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.
Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.
Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Sheldon Water Utility (EPA ID: WI8550278) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.