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Water Quality Report

Manitowoc, WI

Manitowoc County · 34,735 residents · 3 water systems

22

Contaminants detected

5

PFAS compounds

460

Hardness (mg/L)

0

Above legal limits

6

Above health guidelines

Manitowoc drinking water comes from a mix of groundwater and surface water sources. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 22 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, and 18 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Manitowoc water. Water hardness is 460 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in Manitowoc water

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

Lead0.0077 / 0.015 mg/L
51% of EPA limit
Nitrate0.92 / 10 mg/L
9% of EPA limit
Arsenic0.0016 / 0.01 mg/L
16% of EPA limit
Copper33 / 1300 ug/L
3% of EPA limit
Radium0.888 / 5 pCi/L
18% of EPA limit
Uranium1.6 / 30 ug/L
5% of EPA limit
Gross Alpha Radiation0.89 / 15 pCi/L
6% of EPA limit
Tetrachloroethylene0.63 / 5 ug/L
13% of EPA limit
Total Trihalomethanes37.7 / 80 ug/L
47% of EPA limit
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)20 / 60 ug/L
33% of EPA limit
Atrazine0.022 / 3 ug/L
1% of EPA limit
Nickel0.0057 mg/L
UnregulatedInorganic
Selenium0.0026 / 0.05 mg/L
5% of EPA limit
Antimony0.00015 / 0.006 mg/L
3% of EPA limit
Barium0.06 / 2 mg/L
3% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.72 / 4 mg/L
18% of EPA limit
Metolachlor0.011 ug/L
UnregulatedVOC
Methoxychlor0.012 / 40 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid)0.96 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
Toc1.9 mg/L
Unregulated
Phosphorus Total470 ug/L
Unregulated
Orthophosphate1300 ug/L
Unregulated
PFAS (5 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Water systems serving Manitowoc

MANITOWOC WATERWORKS

34,500 servedSurface water22 contaminants4 above guidelines
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HOLY FAMILY CONVENT

195 servedGroundwater0 contaminants1 above guideline
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CHIARA CONVENT

40 servedGroundwater0 contaminants1 above guideline
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Other cities in Manitowoc County

Water quality reports for nearby Wisconsin communities.

ClevelandKellnersvilleKielMaribelMishicotReedsvilleSt NazianzTwo RiversValdersWhitelaw

Frequently asked questions

Is Manitowoc, WI tap water safe to drink?
Manitowoc tap water meets EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels). However, 6 contaminants are present above independent health guidelines, which are often stricter than legal limits. 22 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 and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
What contaminants are in Manitowoc water?
Monitoring has detected 22 contaminants in Manitowoc's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Radium, Uranium, Gross Alpha Radiation, Tetrachloroethylene, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Atrazine, Nickel, Selenium, Antimony, Barium, Fluoride, Metolachlor, Methoxychlor, PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid), Toc, Phosphorus Total, Orthophosphate. Additionally, 5 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 6 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Manitowoc water have PFAS?
Yes. 5 PFAS compounds have been detected in Manitowoc'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 Manitowoc water hard?
Yes. Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc get its drinking water?
Manitowoc's drinking water comes from a combination of groundwater and surface water sources. The water is treated and tested according to Wisconsin DNR and EPA requirements before distribution. Manitowoc is served by 3 water systems, the largest being MANITOWOC WATERWORKS (serving 34,500 people).

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