Water Quality Technical Report — ARLINGTON WATERWORKS, WI
- PWSID
- WI1110093
- Population
- 823
- Source
- Groundwater
- Data Period
- —
- Last Updated
A note from the author — I'm Jacob Thorwolf. WaterAdvantage.org is a personal project of mine, separate from my day job as an Account Executive at Bottleless Nation, a commercial water filtration company. If you request a consultation through any form on this site, it comes to me or a colleague at BN. More about this project →
Summary
ARLINGTON WATERWORKS serves approximately 823 people in ARLINGTON, Wisconsin. Based on contaminant analyses from DNR, WQP, EPA ECHO, the most recent monitoring readings are within federal EPA standards (MCL), but this system has active MCL violations on record for 1 contaminant. 1 contaminant exceeds health-based guidelines. The most significant finding is Lead (90th Percentile) at 0.002 mg/L, which is 10x the health guideline. Data is drawn from source-level compliance monitoring and covers 2003 through 2026. Results reflect conditions at the point of collection (wells, treatment plants), not necessarily at the tap.
Key Findings
- Lead (90th percentile): Below the legal limit but above health-based guidelines (2023 reading). From your water system's testing.
- PFAS Status Unknown: No public PFAS testing data found for this system. This does not prove PFAS is absent.
- Arsenic (nearby groundwater): Below the legal limit but above health-based guidelines (2022 reading). From regional groundwater monitoring, not your tap.
Understanding the two thresholds
EPA Legal Limit (MCL)
The highest level of a contaminant allowed by federal law. Utilities that exceed this threshold face enforcement action. Limits balance health risk against the cost of treatment, so they are not always set at levels considered safe by independent researchers.
Health Guideline
The level below which independent researchers (CalEPA, WHO, EWG) believe there is no known health risk. Guidelines are not legally enforceable but are typically stricter than legal limits — often by 10x or more for contaminants like arsenic and lead.
A reading can be below the EPA limit (legally compliant) while still exceeding health guidelines (above levels considered safe by independent researchers).
EPA Violation Records
The following violation records exist in EPA's federal compliance database for this system. We do not have corresponding monitoring data for these contaminants in our database.
Exceeds Health Guidelines
These contaminants were detected below the EPA legal limit but above a health-based guideline from a public health agency (CalEPA OEHHA, WHO, or similar). Health guidelines are non-enforceable research-backed targets that are often stricter than the legal limit.
| Contaminant | Result | Unit | Health Guideline | EPA Legal Limit | Source | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th Percentile) Developmental delays in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure. There is no safe level of lead exposure. | 2 | ug/L | 0.2 | 15 Pending rule: LCRI 2024 — Action level drops from 15 → 10 µg/L effective 2027; full lead service line replacement within 10 years (EPA Lead & Copper Rule Improvements, October 2024) | EPA ECHO | (2+ years ago) |
PFAS
No PFAS testing data is available for this system in the government data sources we access (EPA UCMR5, Wisconsin DNR). This does not mean PFAS is absent — it means this system has not been tested for PFAS in our data sources, or results have not yet been published.
Microplastics
Microplastics have been documented in raw and treated drinking water worldwide, but federal regulations do not currently require testing — so there is no data specific to this system. Standardized methods and rules are in progress.
Other Regulated Contaminants
These contaminants were detected within federal standards (EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels). They are presented for transparency.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) (LRAA): 10.70 ug/L — within limit of 80 ug/L
EPA Stage 2 DBPR — Locational Running Annual Average, system-wide, based on 8 samples across 4 quarters (2022Q3 · 2023Q3 · 2024Q3 · 2025Q3).
Disinfection byproducts are regulated as a running average under Stage 2 DBPR, not as individual samples. A single sample exceeding the MCL is not itself a compliance violation — the annual running average is the enforceable metric.
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (LRAA): 6.46 ug/L — within limit of 60 ug/L
EPA Stage 2 DBPR — Locational Running Annual Average, system-wide, based on 8 samples across 4 quarters (2022Q3 · 2023Q3 · 2024Q3 · 2025Q3).
Disinfection byproducts are regulated as a running average under Stage 2 DBPR, not as individual samples. A single sample exceeding the MCL is not itself a compliance violation — the annual running average is the enforceable metric.
| Contaminant | Result | Unit | Health Guideline | EPA Legal Limit | Source | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine (free) Eye/nose irritation, stomach discomfort | 160 | ug/L | 4000 | 4000 | DNR | |
| Nitrate (as N) Blue baby syndrome in infants | 6.5 | mg/L | 10 | 10(as N) | DNR | |
| Combined Radium (226+228) Increased risk of cancer | 1.18 | pCi/L | 0 | 5 | DNR | |
| Uranium Increased risk of cancer, kidney toxicity | 360 | ng/L | 500 | 30000 | DNR | (16 months ago) |
| Gross Alpha Radiation (excluding Radon and Uranium) Increased risk of cancer | 2.87 | pCi/L | Not published | 15 | DNR | (19 months ago) |
| Chromium (total) Note: total chromium includes the harmless trivalent form (Cr-III). The toxic hexavalent form (Cr-VI) has no federal MCL; California set a 10 µg/L Cr-VI MCL in 2014. Allergic dermatitis | 2.1 | ug/L | 100 | 100 | DNR | (2+ years ago) |
| Atrazine Cardiovascular system or reproductive problems | 30 | ng/L | 150 | 3000 | DNR | (2+ years ago) |
| Barium Increase in blood pressure | 61.2 | ug/L | 1000 | 2000 | DNR | (2+ years ago) |
| Arsenic Skin damage, circulatory problems, increased risk of cancer | 7.71 | ug/L | 0.004 | 10 | WQP | (3+ years ago) |
| Chlorine (total residual) Eye/nose irritation, stomach discomfort | 240 | ug/L | 4000 | 4000 | DNR | (4+ years ago) |
| Fluoride (natural) Bone disease, mottled teeth in children | 97 | ug/L | 4000 | 4000 | DNR | (4+ years ago) |
Unregulated Detected Contaminants
These contaminants were detected but do not have a federal Maximum Contaminant Level. They are monitored for awareness, not compliance.
VOCs — Volatile Organic Compounds
| Contaminant | Result | Unit | Health Guideline | EPA Legal Limit | Source | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naphthalene Red blood cell damage (hemolytic anemia). Possible human carcinogen. | 740 | ng/L | Not published | Not regulated | DNR | (2+ years ago) |
Other Substances
| Contaminant | Result | Unit | Health Guideline | EPA Legal Limit | Source | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper (90th Percentile) Gastrointestinal distress at high levels. Long-term exposure can cause liver or kidney damage. | 184 | ug/L | 300 | 1300 | DNR | (2+ years ago) |
PFAS — Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
| Contaminant | Result | Unit | Health Guideline | EPA Legal Limit | Source | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBA (Perfluorobutanoic Acid) Shorter-chain PFAS with faster elimination. Thyroid effects in animal studies. | 0.705 | ng/L | Not published | Not regulated | DNR | (3+ years ago) |
Radionuclides — Radioactive Elements
| Contaminant | Result | Unit | Health Guideline | EPA Legal Limit | Source | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon Radon is a known human carcinogen. Inhalation of radon released from water during showering and other household use is the primary exposure route; ingestion contributes a smaller stomach cancer risk. | 110 | pCi/L | 300 | Not regulated | DNR | (4+ years ago) |
Other Potential Contaminants
Not detecting a contaminant does not prove it isn't present — it only means the laboratory didn't test for it, or tested below the reporting limit. Many substances of emerging concern are not routinely monitored because federal regulations haven't caught up to the science.
- Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) — USGS Emerging Contaminants program · Kolpin et al. (USGS FS-2006-3013)
- Unregulated PFAS compounds — EPA PFAS rule (2024) · EPA UCMR monitoring
- 1,4-Dioxane — EPA technical fact sheet
- Hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI) — EPA chromium in drinking water · California OEHHA PHG
- Unregulated disinfection byproducts — EPA Stage 1 / Stage 2 DBPR
- Endocrine disruptors — EPA Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program
Compliance History
Formal EPA and DNR compliance events on record for this utility. Includes all events from the last 10 years plus any unresolved violations regardless of age. Health-based violations are legally enforceable thresholds that were exceeded; procedural events are monitoring or reporting lapses that don't indicate contamination by themselves.
Oct 17, 2024 – ongoing
Nov 2, 2020 – ongoing
Jul 1, 2018 – Sep 30, 2018
Aug 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2025
Oct 17, 2024 – ongoing
Sep 1, 2018 – ongoing
Jul 20, 2018 – Aug 31, 2018
Jul 1, 2017 – ongoing
Jun 1, 2017 – Jun 30, 2017
Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017
Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017
Source: EPA ECHO enforcement and violation records (via Envirofacts / SDWIS Federal Reports).
Routine Maintenance
Nothing in this system's current readings crosses a legal limit or a health guideline. Water systems still change over time, so the following is a baseline of habits worth keeping.
- Check the utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report. Utilities publish CCRs every July covering the prior calendar year. They include sampling data the utility collected itself, which complements the independent data on this page. EPA CCR search.
- Notice changes in taste, odor, or color. Chlorine smells, metallic tastes, and rust discoloration are worth flagging to the utility even when readings are in range — they can signal distribution-system events that sampling catches on a delay.
- Consider an independent tap test. A state-certified laboratory can test your tap water for a specific contaminant or a broader panel. Especially valuable for smaller systems with limited monitoring data. Wisconsin DNR certified labs.
- Point-of-use filtration is optional. When readings are within guidelines, any additional filtration is a personal preference — choose based on taste, hardness, or a specific contaminant you want extra assurance on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What contaminants are in ARLINGTON water?
Based on available public monitoring data, 129 contaminants have been tested in ARLINGTON's water supply. 17 were detected above reporting limits. The most notable detections include Chlorine (free), Nitrate (as N), Combined Radium (226+228). This data comes from source-level compliance monitoring at wells and treatment plants.
Does ARLINGTON water meet EPA standards?
The most recent monitoring readings are within federal EPA standards (MCL), but this system has active MCL violations on record for 1 contaminant. MCL violations can result from compliance calculations (averaging across wells or quarters) that differ from individual sample readings. See the Compliance History section for details.
Is ARLINGTON WI water safe to drink?
Based on source-level compliance monitoring, the most recent readings are within federal standards, but this system has active MCL violations on record for 1 contaminant. However, compliance monitoring tests water at wells and treatment plants, not at individual taps. An on-site test is the only way to know what reaches your tap, as conditions can vary based on plumbing, blending, and distribution.
Does ARLINGTON water have lead?
No. ARLINGTON's most recent Lead and Copper Rule testing found a 90th-percentile lead level of 0.002 mg/L, which is below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. That means at the systemwide level, lead is not exceeding the enforcement threshold. Lead levels can still vary significantly by individual building — older homes and schools with legacy plumbing can have much higher readings than the system average.
Cross-check against the official record
This report is our read of the public monitoring data. Every Wisconsin utility also publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — a plain-language summary written by the utility itself, usually mailed with a water bill or posted on the utility's website. If anything in this report surprises you, request ARLINGTON WATERWORKS's latest CCR directly from the utility, or browse the underlying compliance data on the Wisconsin DNR portal.
Data Sources and Methodology
- Wisconsin DNR Compliance Monitoring
State-level drinking water compliance testing. Covers all regulated contaminants for community water systems. Source-level monitoring at wells and treatment plants. Individual result links are provided for each contaminant in the tables above.
- Water Quality Portal
Cooperative service by USGS, EPA, and NWQMC. Regional groundwater monitoring data from nearby wells — may not reflect this specific utility.
- EPA ECHO Lead & Copper Rule
90th percentile measurements from EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online. Based on tap-level sampling at high-risk sites.
Definitions
- Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
- The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water, set by the EPA. MCLs are legally enforceable standards.
- Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)
- The level of a contaminant below which there is no known or expected health risk. MCLGs are non-enforceable public health goals.
- Action Level
- The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements. Used for lead and copper.
- Health Advisory
- Non-enforceable guidelines set by the EPA providing information on contaminants that can cause health effects at certain exposure levels.
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
- A measure of all dissolved minerals, salts, and organic matter in water, expressed in mg/L (ppm). Not a health hazard but affects taste and indicates overall mineral content.
- PFAS
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. A group of manufactured chemicals that do not break down in the environment. The EPA set enforceable limits for several PFAS compounds in 2024.
- Non-Detect (ND)
- The contaminant was tested for but not found above the laboratory's reporting limit. This does not mean zero — it means below the detection threshold.
- VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- Chemicals that evaporate easily and can contaminate groundwater. Sources include gasoline, industrial solvents, and dry cleaning fluids. Some are regulated by the EPA; many are monitored but not yet regulated.
Download Data
Cite This Report
WaterAdvantage. "Water Quality Technical Report: ARLINGTON, WI (WI1110093)." WaterAdvantage.org, 2026-04-14. https://www.wateradvantage.org/report/WI1110093/detail
Curious about filtration for your home or facility? I work at Bottleless Nation during the day and I'm happy to take a look. Submit the form below and I or a colleague will reach out — the consultation is free, and if it turns into a sale, I earn a commission.
Get a free filtration consultation