Water Quality

The La Crosse Water Utility checks and monitors each well every day. We track the water pumped from each well and monitor chemical levels. Water samples are tested according to regulations from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Results from DNR testing are shared with customers each year in the La Crosse Water Utility Water Quality Report.

Chlorine

• Added to disinfect the water and prevent bacteria or viruses from growing. The water system keeps an average chlorine level of at least 0.2 parts per million (ppm), which is safe for drinking. If your water has a strong chlorine taste or smell, call the utility at (608) 789-7536. We will investigate the issue.

Fluoride

• Added to help prevent tooth decay. The water’s fluoride level is set at 0.7 mg/L, following recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes water fluoridation as one of the 20th century’s top public health achievements.

La Crosse’s groundwater does not naturally contain significant amounts of lead or copper. However, water can sometimes pick up these metals from plumbing, pipes, or fixtures.

Health effects of lead:

• Children: High lead levels can affect physical and mental development, attention, and learning.
• Adults: Long-term exposure can cause kidney problems or high blood pressure.

The Environmental Protection Agency sets limits on the amount of the metals lead and copper in drinking water.

If you are unsure whether your tap water contains any amount of lead, have it tested by a certified lab. A single test may not show average exposure over time.

Certified labs for testing:

• State Laboratory of Hygiene at 465 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706, Phone: (800) 862-1013
• La Crosse County Health Department Laboratory at 300 4th Street North, 2nd Floor, La Crosse, WI 54601, Phone: (608) 785-9733

La Crosse’s groundwater passes through limestone, making it “very hard.” Hardness varies by location:

• Northside: 10 grains per gallon
• Southside: 18 grains per gallon

Hard water is safe to drink; however, it can cause:

• Scale buildup in pipes and appliances
• Reduced soap and detergent efficiency
• Spots on dishes or clothing

If you use a water softener, it’s recommended to keep a separate supply of unsoftened water for cooking and drinking. Hardness is measured because it can affect appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.

PFAS and Drinking Water

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets rules for safe drinking water in the U.S. In Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enforces these standards. The La Crosse Water Utility meets or exceeds all requirements and shares testing results with the public to maintain transparency.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals used since the 1950s. There are thousands of PFAS types, but the most common are PFOA and PFOS.

PFAS can be found in everyday products such as:

• Fast food wrappers
• Disposable coffee cups
• Waterproof or stain-resistant clothing and textiles

Although PFOA and PFOS are no longer widely used, they persist in the environment and can enter surface and groundwater.

EPA Focus Chemicals

• PFOS: Used in stain repellents, carpets, and waterproof clothing
• PFOA: Used in nonstick cookware (such as Teflon™) and textiles
• GenX: A replacement for PFOA, now linked to similar health effects
• PFBS: Used in stain-resistant coatings and industrial processes

Wisconsin PFAS Rules (Effective August 1, 2022)

The DNR established a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for combined PFOA and PFOS. Utilities must regularly test drinking water and take action if levels exceed this limit.

What We’re Doing

• Testing for PFAS quarterly to meet or exceed DNR requirements
• Following EPA and DNR best practices
• Sharing results with the public
• Maintaining water systems to ensure safe drinking water

What You Can Do

Experts recommend reducing PFAS exposure by:

• Avoid relying solely on bottled water (some may contain PFAS)
• Avoid waterproof or stain-resistant textiles
• Transfer food out of packaging and avoid reheating in containers
• Avoid microwave popcorn and many nonstick cookware products
• Use and maintain water filters certified to reduce PFAS
• Avoid products labeled “fluoro-” or PTFE when possible

EPA Updates

April 16, 2024 – New Federal Standards

The EPA established enforceable limits (MCLs) for six PFAS chemicals:

EPA PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs)

• Monitoring must begin by 2027
• Full compliance is required by 2029
• Current Wisconsin standard (70 ppt for PFOA/PFOS) remains in effect until then

April 4, 2023 – Health Advisory

The EPA issued updated health advisories and proposed limits for six PFAS chemicals.

• Proposed limits for PFOA and PFOS: 4 ppt
• Other PFAS are regulated using a hazard index (combined exposure)
• A hazard index above 1 indicates potential health concern
• Compliance timelines have since been extended (PFOA/PFOS to 2031)

La-Crosse-Water-Utility-2024-Water-Quality-Report.pdf(PDF, 191KB)