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Water Quality Report

Superior, WI

Douglas County · 26,179 residents · 2 water systems

13

Contaminants detected

1

PFAS compounds

640

Hardness (mg/L)

0

Above legal limits

4

Above health guidelines

Superior drinking water comes from a mix of groundwater and surface water sources. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 13 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, and 9 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Superior water. Water hardness is 640 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in Superior water

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

Lead0.0056 / 0.015 mg/L
37% of EPA limit
Nitrate0.38 / 10 mg/L
4% of EPA limit
Arsenic0.002 / 0.01 mg/L
20% of EPA limit
Copper4.2 / 1300 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
Radium0.747 / 5 pCi/L
15% of EPA limit
Uranium0.093 / 30 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
Gross Alpha Radiation0 / 15 pCi/L
0% of EPA limit
Total Trihalomethanes32.4 / 80 ug/L
40% of EPA limit
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)18.3 / 60 ug/L
30% of EPA limit
Selenium0.0068 / 0.05 mg/L
14% of EPA limit
Barium0.0098 / 2 mg/L
0% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.61 / 4 mg/L
15% of EPA limit
Toc1.4 mg/L
Unregulated
PFAS (1 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Water systems serving Superior

SUPERIOR WATER LIGHT & POWER COMPANY

26,084 servedSurface water13 contaminants2 above guidelines
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MANITOU FALLS SANITARY DISTRICT NO 1

95 servedGroundwater20 contaminants2 above guidelines
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Other cities in Douglas County

Water quality reports for nearby Wisconsin communities.

South Range

Frequently asked questions

Is Superior, WI tap water safe to drink?
Superior 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. 13 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Radium. 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 Superior water?
Monitoring has detected 13 contaminants in Superior's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Radium, Uranium, Gross Alpha Radiation, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Selenium, Barium, Fluoride, Toc. Additionally, 1 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 4 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Superior water have PFAS?
Yes. 1 PFAS compounds have been detected in Superior'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 Superior water hard?
Yes. Superior water has a hardness of 640 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 Superior get its drinking water?
Superior's drinking water comes from a combination of groundwater and surface water sources. The water is treated and tested according to Wisconsin DNR and EPA requirements before distribution. Superior is served by 2 water systems, the largest being SUPERIOR WATER LIGHT & POWER COMPANY (serving 26,084 people).

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