MENOMONIE (July 21, 2026) – While all Boil/Bottle Water Advisories for the City of Menomonie have been lifted, the full lawn irrigation ban has been extended until August 18 to help the water system fully recover. The City’s three water towers have been completely filled and are working normally.
City of Menomonie crews have provided 32 written warnings since the irrigation ban was enacted, although the number has tapered off as information has spread.
As a precaution, City of Menomonie crews remain on the lookout for possible leaks. The City’s water system includes about 100 miles of water main pipes that are buried about 8 feet below the surface. Leaks usually come to the surface quickly, but sandy soils found in some portions of the city could hide a smaller leak. If residents see flowing water in an odd location (e.g. not Galloway Creek), please contact the City.
A video was released July 21 with a summary of the City’s water system, the Low Pressure Event, the Boil/Bottle Water Advisories and what is being done to avoid a repeat.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for both free notification services to receive emergency alerts by phone, text, or email. Follow this link to sign up for emergency alerts – https://www.menomonie-wi.gov/562/How-to-Sign-Up-for-City-Alerts-with-Noti
City Video Summarizing Water System
Complete July 21, 2026, City of Menomonie Press Release
MENOMONIE (July 19, 2026) – The City of Menomonie has issued a new water system update announcing that the remaining boil water/bottled water advisory has been lifted as of Sunday, July 19, meaning all boil water and bottled water advisories within the City’s municipal water system have now ended.
The full lawn irrigation ban remains in effect through August 1, 2026, to help maintain adequate water pressure throughout the municipal water system. Additional updates will continue to be shared through the City’s official communication channels.
The City of Menomonie provides the following Sunday update regarding the water system:
1. As previously announced, the Precautionary Boil/Bottle Water Advisory was lifted for most of the City of Menomonie on Friday July 17.
2. The Boil/Bottle Water Advisory for the municipal water system on Grand View Heights Court and Meadow Hill Drive (west of Wilson Creek) that issued on Friday July 17 has been lifted as of today (Sunday July 19). The second and third tests both came back negative (which is good) for bacteria.
3. Therefore, all Boil/Bottle Water Advisories in the City of Menomonie have been lifted.
4. The City’s three water towers are approximately 80% full. It is expected that they will completely refill overnight tonight. Water pressures throughout the City are now within normal operating range.
5. The full lawn irrigation ban remains in effect until August 1, 2026. City crews have, and will continue to, provide written warnings to those that continue to irrigate lawns although the number has tapered off as information has spread.
6. As a precaution, City crews remain on the lookout for possible leaks. The City’s water system includes about 100 miles of water main pipes that are buried about 8 feet below the surface. Leaks usually come to the surface quickly, but sandy soils found in some portions of the City could hide a smaller leak. If residents see flowing water in an odd location (e.g. not Galloway Creek), please contact the City.
7. The City is scheduled to make another announcement Tuesday, July 21.
MENOMONIE – The City of Menomonie lifted the Precautionary Boil Water Advisory was lifted for most of the City of Menomonie Friday, July 17, following water quality testing that confirmed the municipal water system is safe for the vast majority of residents.
A new Boil Water Advisory is now in effect only for residents served by the municipal water system on Grand View Heights Court and Meadow Hill Drive west of Wilson Creek following a positive coliform bacteria test in that area. This advisory does not affect the remainder of the City’s municipal water system or residents on private wells. City staff are notifying affected residents directly and delivering bottled water to each household.
Residents whose advisory has been lifted are encouraged to flush cold water through all fixtures used for drinking, cooking, and other human consumption for five minutes before normal use.
The City confirmed the Boil/Bottle Water Advisory for the Grand View Heights Court and Meadow Hill Drive areas again Saturday, July 18.
Saturday, July 18 announcement
Tuesday, July 21 announcement
On July 14 and July 15, the City of Menomonie experienced a significant loss of pressure within portions of the municipal water distribution system due to exceptionally high water demand, resulting in critically low water tower levels.
While there is no evidence that the water is contaminated, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) regulations require the City to issue a precautionary boil water advisory anytime pressure within the water system falls below acceptable operating levels. This precaution helps protect public health while the water system is restored and tested. We understand this situation is both frustrating and disruptive for our residents, businesses, and visitors, particularly for those experiencing little to no water service. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the patience and cooperation our community has shown while City crews work to restore reliable service.
What precautions should be taken at this time?
Ice, food, infant formula, beverages, and anything prepared with tap water should be discarded if prepared after the advisory began.
Until the advisory has been lifted:
- Boil all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing baby formula, coffee, or beverages.
- Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using.
- Commercially bottled water may also be used.
Continue these precautions until the City announces that the advisory has been lifted.
Residents may continue to use water for bathing and showering; however, young children should be supervised to avoid swallowing water.
What does this mean?
When water pressure drops below safe operating levels, there is a possibility that contaminants could enter underground water mains through leaks, cracks, or cross-connections. Although this does not mean contamination has occurred, state drinking water regulations require laboratory testing before the water can be considered safe for normal use again.
Following restoration of normal water pressure, the City will flush portions of the distribution system and collect water samples throughout the affected service area. Certified laboratories will analyze these samples for:
- Total coliform bacteria
- E. coli bacteria (if follow-up testing is required)
- Chlorine residuals
- Other water quality indicators required under Wisconsin Safe Drinking Water regulations
The boil water advisory will remain in effect until testing confirms the water meets all state and federal drinking water standards.
Water Distribution Information
The City recognizes that some residents may be experiencing little to no water service while addressing the situation is underway. To help meet immediate household needs, bottled drinking water will be available beginning 8am on Thursday, July 16 at the Community Services Department, 621 11th Avenue W.
Residents who are unable to travel due to age, disability, or medical circumstances are encouraged to contact the City so alternative arrangements can be made whenever possible.
Updates regarding distribution hours, availability, and additional locations will be posted on official city communication channels, including our website at www.menomonie-wi.gov and our Facebook at City of Menomonie.
Statement from Public Works Director, David Schofield: “We understand how disruptive this situation is for our community, especially for residents and businesses experiencing little or no water service. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused.
“Our crews have been working around the clock to restore water pressure as safely and quickly as possible. While issuing a boil water advisory is never something we want to do, it is an important precaution required to protect public health whenever water pressure drops below safe operating levels. Once pressure has been restored, we will complete the testing required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before lifting the advisory.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we work through this process, and we remain committed to providing timely updates until normal service has been fully restored.”
Further updates will be provided via official city communication channels.
