Marathon County · 1,829 residents · 1 water system
12
Contaminants detected
4
PFAS compounds
230
Hardness (mg/L)
1
Above legal limits
2
Above health guidelines
Colby drinking water comes from groundwater wells. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 12 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, and 8 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Colby water. Water hardness is 230 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.
Contaminants detected in Colby water
12 total
Detection does not necessarily mean unsafe levels. See individual reports for concentrations and EPA limits.
Colby tap water has 1 contaminant currently measured above EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels), and 2 above independent health guidelines. 12 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, how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines, and what actions to take.
What contaminants are in Colby water?
Monitoring has detected 12 contaminants in Colby's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, Uranium, Gross Alpha Radiation, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nickel, Fluoride, Barium, Dichlorodifluoromethane. Additionally, 4 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 1 of these are above EPA legal limits. 2 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Colby water have PFAS?
Yes. 4 PFAS compounds have been detected in Colby'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 Colby water hard?
Yes. Colby water has a hardness of 230 mg/L (very 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 Colby get its drinking water?
Colby'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. Colby is served by one water system: COLBY WATERWORKS.
Check your water quality
Enter your address for a detailed report specific to your water system.
On a private well? Search your address for nearby groundwater monitoring data.