Skip to main content
WaterSafeCheck
Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideStatus: Normal Operations

ZIP Code 54805 Water Quality & Testing Report

Almena, WI · Barron County County · Updated for 2026

Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 54805 (Almena, WI)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 54805 (Almena, WI) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Almena Waterworks, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (77/100) with 0 health violations, 6.4 ppb lead, and hard (168 mg/L / 9.8 GPG) water.

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

1

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 54805

Tap water in ZIP code 54805 (Almena, WI) is distributed by Almena Waterworks (EPA ID: WI6030124), serving approximately 705 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of B with a composite quality score of 77/100.

Water System

Almena Waterworks

EPA ID: WI6030124

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

705 residents

County

Barron County County, Wisconsin

🧪

Lead Levels in ZIP 54805

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 6.4 ppb — Moderate

The 90th percentile lead level in 54805 is 6.4 ppb. This is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, but above ideal health goals. Consider a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead exposure risk in 54805 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 67% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
6.40 ppb (0.0064 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

67%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
🪨

Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Hard9.8 GPG · 168 mg/L

Water in ZIP 54805 is Hard (168 mg/L / 9.8 GPG). Residents may notice white mineral spots on glassware, reduced soap efficiency, and mineral scale on faucets and showerheads.

Recommendation: An ion-exchange water softener or descaler is recommended to prolong the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing.
Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

9.8 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

168 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
High / Severe

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Almena Waterworks · PWSID: WI6030124

Verify on EPA.gov
📋

Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Almena Waterworks has recorded 1 violation, but none are health-based (e.g., administrative or monitoring infractions). 1 violation remains unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)
1
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
1
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated High based on past reporting and enforcement records.

⚗️

Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 54805 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

🌊

Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

2.85%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 54805

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 54805 served by Almena Waterworks can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.

Tap Water Testing Steps

  • 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
  • 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
  • 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.

Private Well Testing Steps

  • •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
  • •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
  • •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in WI for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 54805 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Almena Waterworks
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:

🚰

NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter

Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.

Filter Selection Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 54805 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 54805?+
Yes — tap water in 54805 (Almena, WI) meets EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 54805 (Almena, WI)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 54805, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in WI. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for a list of certified regional labs.
How hard is the tap water in 54805?+
Tap water in 54805 is classified as Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 168 mg/L (9.8 GPG). An ion-exchange water softener or descaler is recommended to prolong the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing.
Should I test private well water in 54805?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 54805 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
What is the lead level in 54805 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 54805 is 6.4 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 54805?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 54805. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 54805?+
Tap water in ZIP code 54805 is provided by Almena Waterworks (EPA ID: WI6030124), serving approximately 705 residents.
What water filter should I use in 54805?+
Based on water metrics for 54805, we recommend Lead & Microplastic Filter. Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 53 (Lead Reduction), NSF/ANSI 42 (Particulate/Taste).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 54805 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Almena Waterworks. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →