Milwaukee Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Milwaukee tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At 254 ppm (14.9 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
14.9 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Very Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Milwaukee Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Milwaukee tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
8 contaminants were tested in Milwaukee's water. 8 were detected — all within EPA limits.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) is at 2.15 ppt — 54% of the EPA limit (4 ppt). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A man-made "forever chemical" historically used in non-stick coatings (Teflon), food packaging, and firefighting foam. According to the EPA and IARC, long-term exposure has been associated with increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system effects.
→ A reverse osmosis (RO) or NSF-certified activated carbon filter can reduce PFOA by 90% or more.
Disinfection Byproducts — 3 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Bromate at 2.2 ppb (22% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.64 ppm (16% of EPA limit).
Lead — Lead (5.3 ppb) is at 35% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 626K people in the Milwaukee area.
Based on publicly available data from Milwaukee Water Works 2024 Annual Water Quality Report - calculated from Ca (34.6 ppm) and Mg (12.1 ppm) (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Milwaukee water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure. With very hard water (254 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Milwaukee Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
5.3 ppb
86% above average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
136 ppm
Near average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Detected
33% of cities have detectable PFAS
How Hard is Milwaukee Water?
254 ppm
14.9 grains per gallon
Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Dries out skin & hair
Kitchen
Heavy mineral deposits
Laundry
Stiff, dingy clothes
Appliances
Significant scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 254 ppm, Milwaukee has very hard water. A water softener can help prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. According to the Water Quality Research Foundation, hard water can reduce appliance efficiency and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: – ppm
Based on 30 samples from Milwaukee Water Works 2024 Annual Water Quality Report - calculated from Ca (34.6 ppm) and Mg (12.1 ppm) (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Milwaukee tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Milwaukee
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
5.3 ppb
Milwaukee lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2023-09-30
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Chloramines (Disinfectant)
40% of EPA limit
Range: 1.41–1.95 ppm
Bromate
22% of EPA limit
Range: 0–6.5 ppb
Other Detected Contaminants
8 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
8.9 ppb Range: 5.2-13.7 Avg 8.9 ppb at customer taps. Exceptionally low due to ozone primary + chloramine secondary disinfection combination. | 80 ppb | Safe 11% of limit | |
1.2 ppb Range: 0-3.8 Avg 1.2 ppb at customer taps. Extremely low - among the best in the US. Ozone + chloramine treatment. | 60 ppb | Safe 2% of limit | |
Chloramines (Disinfectant) | 1.61 ppm Range: 1.41-1.95 Total chlorine residual avg 1.61 ppm. Chloramine (chlorine + ammonia) used as secondary disinfectant. MRDL 4.0 ppm. | 4 ppm | Safe 40% of limit |
Bromate | 2.2 ppb Range: 0-6.5 Avg 2.2 ppb RAA (range 0.0-6.5). Byproduct of ozone disinfection. MCL 10 ppb RAA. Well below MCL. | 10 ppb | Safe 22% of limit |
2.15 ppt Range: 2.1-2.2 Wisconsin state monitoring (2/20/2023): avg 2.15 ppt, range 2.10-2.20. Below EPA MCL 4 ppt but detectable. UCMR5 showed ND because concentrations fell below UCMR5 reporting limit of 4 ppt. | 4 ppt 0 | Caution 54% of limit | |
2.15 ppt Range: 2.1-2.2 Wisconsin state monitoring (2/20/2023): avg 2.15 ppt, range 2.10-2.20. Below EPA MCL 4 ppt but detectable. Combined PFOS+PFOA = 4.40 ppt. | 4 ppt 0 | Caution 54% of limit | |
0.64 ppm Range: 0.39-0.72 Avg 0.64 ppm at customer taps. Fluoride added for dental health. Target 0.7 ppm per CDC recommendation. | 4 ppm | Safe 16% of limit | |
Lithium | 2.1 ppb Range: 2.1-2.2 Voluntary monitoring (Other Substances table). Very low level from Lake Michigan source. No EPA MCL. | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Milwaukee's Water?
Utility Name
MILWAUKEE WATERWORKS
EPA System ID (PWSID)
WI2410100
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
626K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Milwaukee tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
Madison
Soft water
Green Bay
Very Hard water
Racine
Very Hard water
Kenosha
Very Hard water
Menasha
Very Hard water
Eau Claire
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: Milwaukee Water Works 2024 Annual Water Quality Report - calculated from Ca (34.6 ppm) and Mg (12.1 ppm) (2024) • View report