F11/100
Portage Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 10,437 residents · Wisconsin
What's In Portage's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.006 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2003.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
PORTAGE WATERWORKS
Population Served
10,437
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WI1110039
Frequently Asked Questions About Portage Water
Is Portage tap water safe to drink?
Portage, Wisconsin tap water receives a grade of F (11/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 62 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Portage's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Portage's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Portage have any water quality violations?
Yes, Portage has 62 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2003. Violation types include MCL, MR. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Portage?
Portage water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Portage's tap water come from?
Portage's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by PORTAGE WATERWORKS. The system serves approximately 10,437 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Portage's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Portage's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Portage's water compare to other cities in Wisconsin?
Portage's water quality score of 11/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Wisconsin state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Portage's water quality?
If you have concerns about Portage's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (PORTAGE WATERWORKS) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.