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Water Quality Report

Deforest, WI

Dane County · 10,500 residents · 1 water system

19

Contaminants detected

2

PFAS compounds

269

Hardness (mg/L)

0

Above legal limits

2

Above health guidelines

Deforest drinking water comes from groundwater wells. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 19 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, and 15 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Deforest water. Water hardness is 269 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in Deforest water

Detection does not necessarily mean unsafe levels. See individual reports for concentrations and EPA limits.

Lead0.006 / 0.015 mg/L
40% of EPA limit
Nitrate3.1 / 10 mg/L
31% of EPA limit
Copper153 / 1300 ug/L
12% of EPA limit
Radium3 / 5 pCi/L
60% of EPA limit
Gross Alpha Radiation2.7 / 15 pCi/L
18% of EPA limit
6% of EPA limit
4% of EPA limit
Xylenes1 / 10000 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
Methyl Tert Butyl Ether1.6 ug/L
Unregulated
1,2-Dichloroethane0.68 / 5 ug/L
14% of EPA limit
Chromium (total)0.002 / 0.1 mg/L
2% of EPA limit
Barium0.0153 / 2 mg/L
1% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.125 / 4 mg/L
3% of EPA limit
1,1-Dichloroethane0.41 ug/L
UnregulatedVOC
Styrene0.36 / 100 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
N Propylbenzene0.083 ug/L
UnregulatedVOC
Ethylbenzene0.12 / 700 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
1_2_4_TRIMETHYLBENZENE0.22 ug/L
UnregulatedVOC
Gross Beta2.7 / 50 pCi/L
5% of EPA limit
PFAS (2 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in Dane County

Water quality reports for nearby Wisconsin communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Deforest, WI tap water safe to drink?
Deforest tap water meets EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels). However, 2 contaminants are present above independent health guidelines, which are often stricter than legal limits. 19 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, Gross Alpha Radiation. View the detailed report for each water system to see specific levels and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
What contaminants are in Deforest water?
Monitoring has detected 19 contaminants in Deforest's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, Gross Alpha Radiation, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Xylenes, Methyl Tert Butyl Ether, 1,2-Dichloroethane, Chromium (total), Barium, Fluoride, 1,1-Dichloroethane, Styrene, N Propylbenzene, Ethylbenzene, 1_2_4_TRIMETHYLBENZENE, Gross Beta. Additionally, 2 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 2 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Deforest water have PFAS?
Yes. 2 PFAS compounds have been detected in Deforest's water supply at trace levels. PFAS are sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment. The EPA has set Maximum Contaminant Levels for several PFAS compounds. View the detailed report for specific concentrations.
Is Deforest water hard?
Yes. Deforest water has a hardness of 269 mg/L (very hard). Hard water is not a health concern but can cause scale buildup in water heaters and appliances, reduce soap effectiveness, and leave mineral deposits. Water softeners or conditioning systems can address hardness.
Where does Deforest get its drinking water?
Deforest's drinking water comes from groundwater wells that draw from underground aquifers. The water is treated and tested according to Wisconsin DNR and EPA requirements before distribution. Deforest is served by one water system: DEFOREST WATERWORKS.

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