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Water Quality Report

Altoona, WI

Eau Claire County · 10,477 residents · 2 water systems

17

Contaminants detected

5

PFAS compounds

160

Hardness (mg/L)

0

Above legal limits

4

Above health guidelines

Altoona drinking water comes from groundwater wells. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 17 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, and 13 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Altoona water. Water hardness is 160 mg/L (hard), which is within a typical range for the region.

Contaminants detected in Altoona water

Detection does not necessarily mean unsafe levels. See individual reports for concentrations and EPA limits.

Lead0.00099 / 0.015 mg/L
7% of EPA limit
Nitrate4.2 / 10 mg/L
42% of EPA limit
Copper370 / 1300 ug/L
28% of EPA limit
Radium3.6 / 5 pCi/L
72% of EPA limit
Uranium0.83 / 30 ug/L
3% of EPA limit
Gross Alpha Radiation6.3 / 15 pCi/L
42% of EPA limit
12% of EPA limit
2% of EPA limit
Nickel0.0093 mg/L
UnregulatedInorganic
Dichloromethane0.3 / 5 ug/L
6% of EPA limit
PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid)2.9 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
Dichlorodifluoromethane0.45 ug/L
UnregulatedVOC
1,1-Dichloroethane0.56 ug/L
UnregulatedVOC
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene0.79 / 70 ug/L
1% of EPA limit
Chromium (total)0.002 / 0.1 mg/L
2% of EPA limit
Barium0.029 / 2 mg/L
1% of EPA limit
Methyl Tert Butyl Ether0.51 ug/L
Unregulated
PFAS (5 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in Eau Claire County

Water quality reports for nearby Wisconsin communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Altoona, WI tap water safe to drink?
Altoona tap water meets EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels). However, 4 contaminants are present above independent health guidelines, which are often stricter than legal limits. 17 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, Uranium. View the detailed report for each water system to see specific levels and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
What contaminants are in Altoona water?
Monitoring has detected 17 contaminants in Altoona's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, Uranium, Gross Alpha Radiation, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nickel, Dichloromethane, PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid), Dichlorodifluoromethane, 1,1-Dichloroethane, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Chromium (total), Barium, Methyl Tert Butyl Ether. Additionally, 5 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 4 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Altoona water have PFAS?
Yes. 5 PFAS compounds have been detected in Altoona's water supply at trace levels. PFAS are sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment. The EPA has set Maximum Contaminant Levels for several PFAS compounds. View the detailed report for specific concentrations.
Is Altoona water hard?
Yes. Altoona water has a hardness of 160 mg/L (hard). Hard water is not a health concern but can cause scale buildup in water heaters and appliances, reduce soap effectiveness, and leave mineral deposits. Water softeners or conditioning systems can address hardness.
Where does Altoona get its drinking water?
Altoona's drinking water comes from groundwater wells that draw from underground aquifers. The water is treated and tested according to Wisconsin DNR and EPA requirements before distribution. Altoona is served by 2 water systems, the largest being ALTOONA WATERWORKS (serving 9,627 people).

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