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Water Quality Report

Waukesha, WI

Waukesha County · 72,340 residents · 7 water systems

16

Contaminants detected

2

PFAS compounds

430

Hardness (mg/L)

0

Above legal limits

7

Above health guidelines

Waukesha drinking water comes from a mix of groundwater and surface water sources. 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 Waukesha water. Water hardness is 430 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in Waukesha water

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

Lead0.00056 / 0.015 mg/L
4% of EPA limit
Nitrate0.069 / 10 mg/L
1% of EPA limit
Arsenic0.0022 / 0.01 mg/L
22% of EPA limit
Copper71 / 1300 ug/L
5% of EPA limit
Radium0.76 / 5 pCi/L
15% of EPA limit
Uranium0.461 / 30 ug/L
2% of EPA limit
Gross Alpha Radiation0.68 / 15 pCi/L
5% of EPA limit
Total Trihalomethanes12.4 / 80 ug/L
15% of EPA limit
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)5.2 / 60 ug/L
9% of EPA limit
Nickel0.0032 mg/L
UnregulatedInorganic
Xylenes2.1 / 10000 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.79 / 4 mg/L
20% of EPA limit
Gross Beta8.8 / 50 pCi/L
18% of EPA limit
Barium0.13 / 2 mg/L
7% of EPA limit
Orthophosphate2000 ug/L
Unregulated
Silica19 mg/L
Unregulated
PFAS (2 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Water systems serving Waukesha

WAUKESHA WATER UTILITY

70,718 servedSurface water16 contaminants2 above guidelines
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LAKE MEADOWS WATER TRUST

750 servedGroundwater0 contaminants1 above guideline
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LAKE DRIVE WATER TRUST

500 servedGroundwater0 contaminants1 above guideline
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PINES SUBDIVISION

200 servedGroundwater0 contaminants
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SCHOENSTATT SISTERS OF MARY

80 servedGroundwater0 contaminants1 above guideline
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DOUGLAS PLAZA SOUTH

62 servedGroundwater0 contaminants1 above guideline
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DOUGLAS PLAZA NORTH

30 servedGroundwater0 contaminants1 above guideline
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Other cities in Waukesha County

Water quality reports for nearby Wisconsin communities.

BrookfieldButlerDelafieldDousmanEagleElm GroveHartlandLannonMenomonee FallsMenomonie FallsMukwonagoMuskego

Frequently asked questions

Is Waukesha, WI tap water safe to drink?
Waukesha tap water meets EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels). However, 7 contaminants are present above independent health guidelines, which are often stricter than legal limits. 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 and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
What contaminants are in Waukesha water?
Monitoring has detected 16 contaminants in Waukesha's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Radium, Uranium, Gross Alpha Radiation, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nickel, Xylenes, Fluoride, Gross Beta, Barium, Orthophosphate, Silica. Additionally, 2 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 7 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Waukesha water have PFAS?
Yes. 2 PFAS compounds have been detected in Waukesha'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 Waukesha water hard?
Yes. Waukesha water has a hardness of 430 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 Waukesha get its drinking water?
Waukesha'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. Waukesha is served by 7 water systems, the largest being WAUKESHA WATER UTILITY (serving 70,718 people).

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