Columbia County · 11,237 residents · 3 water systems
17
Contaminants detected
6
PFAS compounds
138
Hardness (mg/L)
0
Above legal limits
4
Above health guidelines
Portage drinking water comes from groundwater wells. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 17 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, and 13 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Portage water. Water hardness is 138 mg/L (hard), which is within a typical range for the region.
Contaminants detected in Portage water
17 total
Detection does not necessarily mean unsafe levels. See individual reports for concentrations and EPA limits.
Portage tap water meets EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels). However, 4 contaminants are present above independent health guidelines, which are often stricter than legal limits. 17 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, Uranium. 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 Portage water?
Monitoring has detected 17 contaminants in Portage's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Copper, Radium, Uranium, Gross Alpha Radiation, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nickel, Fluoride, Chloromethane, Naphthalene, Barium, Nitrite, PFPeA (Perfluoropentanoic Acid), PFPeS (Perfluoropentane Sulfonate), PFBA (Perfluorobutanoic Acid). Additionally, 6 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 4 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Portage water have PFAS?
Yes. 6 PFAS compounds have been detected in Portage'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 Portage water hard?
Yes. Portage water has a hardness of 138 mg/L (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 Portage get its drinking water?
Portage'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. Portage is served by 3 water systems, the largest being PORTAGE WATERWORKS (serving 10,437 people).
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