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Water Quality Report

Prairie Du Chien, WI

Crawford County · 6,505 residents · 3 water systems

17

Contaminants detected

6

PFAS compounds

280

Hardness (mg/L)

0

Above legal limits

4

Above health guidelines

Prairie Du Chien 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, Arsenic, Copper, and 13 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Prairie Du Chien water. Water hardness is 280 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in Prairie Du Chien water

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

Lead0 / 0.015 mg/L
0% of EPA limit
Nitrate2.1 / 10 mg/L
21% of EPA limit
Arsenic0.0008 / 0.01 mg/L
8% of EPA limit
Copper228 / 1300 ug/L
18% of EPA limit
Trichloroethylene1.9 / 5 ug/L
39% of EPA limit
7% of EPA limit
19% of EPA limit
Atrazine0.0095 / 3 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
Selenium0.001 / 0.05 mg/L
2% of EPA limit
PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid)0.474 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
Toluene2.6 / 1000 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
Styrene1.1 / 100 ug/L
1% of EPA limit
Thallium0.0003 / 0.002 mg/L
15% of EPA limit
Barium0.122 / 2 mg/L
6% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.08 / 4 mg/L
2% of EPA limit
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate0.5 / 6 ug/L
8% of EPA limit
PFBA (Perfluorobutanoic Acid)0.99 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
PFAS (6 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in Crawford County

Water quality reports for nearby Wisconsin communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Prairie Du Chien, WI tap water safe to drink?
Prairie Du Chien 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, Arsenic, Copper, Trichloroethylene. 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 Prairie Du Chien water?
Monitoring has detected 17 contaminants in Prairie Du Chien's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Trichloroethylene, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Atrazine, Selenium, PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid), Toluene, Styrene, Thallium, Barium, Fluoride, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, PFBA (Perfluorobutanoic Acid). Additionally, 6 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 4 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Prairie Du Chien water have PFAS?
Yes. 6 PFAS compounds have been detected in Prairie Du Chien'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 Prairie Du Chien water hard?
Yes. Prairie Du Chien water has a hardness of 280 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 Prairie Du Chien get its drinking water?
Prairie Du Chien'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. Prairie Du Chien is served by 3 water systems, the largest being PRAIRIE DU CHIEN WATERWORKS (serving 6,005 people).

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