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Water Quality Report

Germantown, WI

Washington County · 20,027 residents · 1 water system

16

Contaminants detected

5

PFAS compounds

460

Hardness (mg/L)

2

Above legal limits

2

Above health guidelines

Germantown drinking water comes from groundwater wells. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 16 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, and 12 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Germantown water. Water hardness is 460 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in Germantown water

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

Lead0.0017 / 0.015 mg/L
11% of EPA limit
Nitrate1.1 / 10 mg/L
11% of EPA limit
Arsenic0.0017 / 0.01 mg/L
17% of EPA limit
Copper120 / 1300 ug/L
9% of EPA limit
Radium14.9 / 5 pCi/L
150% of EPA limit
Uranium0.424 / 30 ug/L
1% of EPA limit
Gross Alpha Radiation32.7 / 15 pCi/L
150% of EPA limit
8% of EPA limit
4% of EPA limit
Nickel0.0068 mg/L
UnregulatedInorganic
Xylenes1.9 / 10000 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
Toluene0.21 / 1000 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
Ethylbenzene1.7 / 700 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.73 / 4 mg/L
18% of EPA limit
Barium0.11 / 2 mg/L
6% of EPA limit
Lithium30 ug/L
Unregulated
PFAS (5 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in Washington County

Water quality reports for nearby Wisconsin communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Germantown, WI tap water safe to drink?
Germantown tap water has 2 contaminants currently measured above EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels), and 2 above independent health guidelines. 16 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Radium. View the detailed report for each water system to see specific levels, how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines, and what actions to take.
What contaminants are in Germantown water?
Monitoring has detected 16 contaminants in Germantown's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Radium, Uranium, Gross Alpha Radiation, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nickel, Xylenes, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Fluoride, Barium, Lithium. Additionally, 5 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 2 of these are above EPA legal limits. 2 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Germantown water have PFAS?
Yes. 5 PFAS compounds have been detected in Germantown'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 Germantown water hard?
Yes. Germantown water has a hardness of 460 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 Germantown get its drinking water?
Germantown'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. Germantown is served by one water system: GERMANTOWN WATER UTILITY.

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