Marshfield Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Marshfield Utilities serves the City of Marshfield in Wood County, Wisconsin, providing water to approximately 19,000 residents. The utility draws 100% of its supply from groundwater via 15 active wells in six well fields situated in and around the city; no surface water sources or treatment plants are involved. Water undergoes conventional treatment including disinfection with hypochlorite. For inquiries, contact the utility at (715) 387-1195 for emergencies or John Richmond at (715) 898-2171 for water quality questions; the mailing address is 207 W 6th St, Marshfield, WI 54449.

Marshfield's supply originates from local glacial aquifers in central Wisconsin, influenced by Pleistocene glacial deposits in the broader Central Wisconsin River watershed region. Underlying rock formations include the Cambrian Mount Simon Sandstone and Eau Claire Formation, along with Ordovician dolomites, forming productive confined and unconfined aquifers. Natural dissolution of calcium- and magnesium-bearing minerals from glacial till and carbonate bedrock imparts a hard character, resulting in moderately mineralised groundwater with elevated dissolved bicarbonates.

Moderately hard water causes noticeable scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, coffee makers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and lifespan; faucet aerators and showerheads may clog over time. Laundry and dish soap performance diminishes, requiring more detergent. Regular vinegar descaling, installing drain screens, and annual water heater flushing are recommended; a water softener is often advised. Water quality earns a B grade (78/100); 1 contaminant exceeds EPA MCLs (PFOS at 0.012 µg/L) — residents concerned about lead or PFAS should use NSF-certified filters or test independently.