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Water Quality Report

Sheldon, WI

Rusk County · 265 residents · 1 water system

15

Contaminants detected

4

PFAS compounds

230

Hardness (mg/L)

0

Above legal limits

2

Above health guidelines

Sheldon drinking water comes from groundwater wells. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 15 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, and 11 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Sheldon water. Water hardness is 230 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in Sheldon water

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

Lead0.0029 / 0.015 mg/L
19% of EPA limit
Nitrate4.5 / 10 mg/L
45% of EPA limit
Copper250 / 1300 ug/L
19% of EPA limit
Radium0.2608 / 5 pCi/L
5% of EPA limit
Uranium1 / 30 ug/L
3% of EPA limit
3% of EPA limit
2% of EPA limit
Atrazine0.0092 / 3 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
Nickel0.0041 mg/L
UnregulatedInorganic
Chromium (total)0.0011 / 0.1 mg/L
1% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.13 / 4 mg/L
3% of EPA limit
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate0.51 / 6 ug/L
9% of EPA limit
Barium0.021 / 2 mg/L
1% of EPA limit
PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid)3.3 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
Metolachlor0.014 ug/L
UnregulatedVOC
PFAS (4 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in Rusk County

Water quality reports for nearby Wisconsin communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sheldon, WI tap water safe to drink?
Sheldon tap water meets EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels). However, 2 contaminants are present above independent health guidelines, which are often stricter than legal limits. 15 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 Sheldon water?
Monitoring has detected 15 contaminants in Sheldon's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, Uranium, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Atrazine, Nickel, Chromium (total), Fluoride, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Barium, PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid), Metolachlor. Additionally, 4 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 2 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Sheldon water have PFAS?
Yes. 4 PFAS compounds have been detected in Sheldon'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 Sheldon water hard?
Yes. Sheldon 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 Sheldon get its drinking water?
Sheldon'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. Sheldon is served by one water system: SHELDON WATER UTILITY.

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