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Water Quality Report

West Bend, WI

Washington County · 32,624 residents · 5 water systems

20

Contaminants detected

5

PFAS compounds

540

Hardness (mg/L)

2

Above legal limits

7

Above health guidelines

West Bend drinking water comes from groundwater wells. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 20 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, and 16 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in West Bend water. Water hardness is 540 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in West Bend water

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

Lead0.023 / 0.015 mg/L
150% of EPA limit
Nitrate1.9 / 10 mg/L
19% of EPA limit
Arsenic0.0011 / 0.01 mg/L
11% of EPA limit
Copper1400 / 1300 ug/L
108% of EPA limit
Radium0.965 / 5 pCi/L
19% of EPA limit
Uranium1.8 / 30 ug/L
6% of EPA limit
Gross Alpha Radiation1.7 / 15 pCi/L
11% of EPA limit
Trichloroethylene0.37 / 5 ug/L
7% of EPA limit
Total Trihalomethanes20.7 / 80 ug/L
26% of EPA limit
5% of EPA limit
Nickel0.024 mg/L
UnregulatedInorganic
Fluoride0.78 / 4 mg/L
20% of EPA limit
Nitrite0.021 / 1 mg/L
2% of EPA limit
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene0.51 / 70 ug/L
1% of EPA limit
Ethylbenzene0.39 / 700 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid)0.63 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
Nmefosaa0.42 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
Barium0.16 / 2 mg/L
8% of EPA limit
Phosphorus Total1300 ug/L
Unregulated
Orthophosphate2000 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 West Bend, WI tap water safe to drink?
West Bend tap water has 2 contaminants currently measured above EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels), and 7 above independent health guidelines. 20 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 West Bend water?
Monitoring has detected 20 contaminants in West Bend's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Radium, Uranium, Gross Alpha Radiation, Trichloroethylene, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nickel, Fluoride, Nitrite, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Ethylbenzene, PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid), Nmefosaa, Barium, Phosphorus Total, Orthophosphate. Additionally, 5 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 2 of these are above EPA legal limits. 7 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does West Bend water have PFAS?
Yes. 5 PFAS compounds have been detected in West Bend'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 West Bend water hard?
Yes. West Bend water has a hardness of 540 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 West Bend get its drinking water?
West Bend'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. West Bend is served by 5 water systems, the largest being WEST BEND WATERWORKS (serving 31,752 people).

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