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WaterSafeCheck
Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideStatus: Normal Operations

ZIP Code 54871 Water Quality & Testing Report

Shell Lake, WI · Washburn County County · Updated for 2026

Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 54871 (Shell Lake, WI)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 54871 (Shell Lake, WI) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Shell Lake Waterworks, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (77/100) with 1 health violations, 1.3 ppb lead, and hard (159 mg/L / 9.3 GPG) water.

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

4

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

1

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 54871

Tap water in ZIP code 54871 (Shell Lake, WI) is distributed by Shell Lake Waterworks (EPA ID: WI8660304), serving approximately 950 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

Shell Lake Waterworks

EPA ID: WI8660304

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

950 residents

County

Washburn County County, Wisconsin

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Lead Levels in ZIP 54871

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

Lead Level: 1.3 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 54871 is 1.3 ppb. This meets the EPA action level of 15 ppb. Health experts recommend a target of 0 ppb for optimal safety.

Lead exposure risk in 54871 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 43% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
1.30 ppb (0.0013 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

43%
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.
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Water Hardness & Mineral Content

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

Classification: Hard9.3 GPG · 159 mg/L

Water in ZIP 54871 is Hard (159 mg/L / 9.3 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

9.3 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

159 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
High / Severe

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Shell Lake Waterworks · PWSID: WI8660304

Verify on EPA.gov
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Shell Lake Waterworks has recorded 1 health-based violation out of 4 total violations over the past 5 years. 1 violation remains unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)
4
Health-Based Violations
1
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

EPA records identify 1 contaminant with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Stage 2 DBP Rule.

Stage 2 DBP Rule

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 4 enforcement actions to address compliance lapses.
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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
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$11
Energy Burden

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

2.56%

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

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 54871

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 54871 served by Shell Lake 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 54871 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Shell Lake 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 54871 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 54871?+
Yes — tap water in 54871 (Shell Lake, 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 54871 (Shell Lake, WI)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 54871, 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 54871?+
Tap water in 54871 is classified as Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 159 mg/L (9.3 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 54871?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 54871 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 54871 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 54871 is 1.3 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 54871?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 54871. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 54871?+
Tap water in ZIP code 54871 is provided by Shell Lake Waterworks (EPA ID: WI8660304), serving approximately 950 residents.
What water filter should I use in 54871?+
Based on water metrics for 54871, we recommend Reverse Osmosis (PFAS & Lead). Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 53 (Chemical Contaminants), NSF/ANSI 42 (Aesthetic Effects).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 54871 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 Shell Lake 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 →