OCONTO FALLS WATERWORKS found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in one or more homes/buildings.
Between June 2026 and September 2026, we collected 10 samples and analyzed them for lead. The results of more than 10 percent of our samples exceeded the action level of 15 micrograms per liter (μg/L) for lead. If your home or building was one of the locations tested, you will (or may have already) received a copy of the results from your specific location.
What is being done?
OCONTO FALLS WATERWORKS is focused on protecting the health of every household. We are working to resolve this problem as soon as possible. We will let you know when the issue has been resolved.
- Lead from service lines and lead plumbing and fixtures can end up in drinking water.
The samples that were found to have lead in them were from homes that have lead water services.
This does not mean that every property that receives drinking water from OCONTO FALLS WATERWORKS has lead in the drinking water. See information below on how to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water.
Health Effects of Lead Exposure
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.
Contact your health care provider if you have any health-related questions or your local health department to find out if your child needs to be tested for lead.
What should you do?
- Ways to reduce lead in your drinking water:
- Use only cold, fresh water for drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula. Run the water for at least 3 minutes or until it turns cold.*
- Do not boil water to remove lead.
- Use a drinking water filter certified by an accredited third-party body to reduce lead.*
- Contact your public water system - Oconto Falls Water & Light, 920-846-4512 (https://www.ofmu.org/service-line-inventory-requirements-lead-and-copper) to find out whether your home has a lead service line. IF IT DOES, HAVE IT REMOVED. Your public water system can also provide information on replacing your home's lead service line.
- Replace fixtures and plumbing materials from your home or building that may contain lead with certified lead-free materials.*
- Drinking water is not the only potential source of lead exposure.*
*For more information see https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/DrinkingWater/lead.html or scan the QR code to the right. 
If you have any questions regarding the safety of our drinking water; please contact:
Beth Rank, Utility Manager
920-846-4512
223 Monroe St, PO Box 70
Oconto Falls, WI 54154