Is Waukesha, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Waukesha tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 3 of 4 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for lithium. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Waukesha Get Its Water?
Water in Waukesha, WI is provided by 3 public water systems: WAUKESHA WATER UTILITY, PEWAUKEE CITY WATER AND SEWER UTILITY and TOWN OF BROOKFIELD SAN DIST 4.
How Is Waukesha Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using chloramines and free chlorine. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration) and groundwater disinfection.
What's in Waukesha Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Waukesha public water systems. 3 of 4 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lithium | 11 µg/L | 10 µg/L | 3 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| PFBS | 0.0071 µg/L | — | 1 ZIP | Within guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Within guideline |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| HFPO-DA | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Waukesha
Based on EPA monitoring data, 3 of 4 ZIP codes in Waukesha have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.
Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile
This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Waukesha Tap Water
Is Waukesha tap water safe to drink?
Waukesha tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 3 of 4 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in Waukesha tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Waukesha water systems include: lithium, PFBS, PFTrDA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Waukesha get its drinking water?
Waukesha receives water from 3 public water systems, including WAUKESHA WATER UTILITY.
Do I need a water filter in Waukesha?
If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.
How often is Waukesha tap water tested?
Public water systems in Waukesha are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-05-28.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Waukesha
- 53186 - Brookfield, Waukesha tap water report Higher concern
- 53187 - Waukesha tap water report Higher concern
- 53188 - Delafield, Waukesha tap water report Higher concern
- 53189 - Vernon, Waukesha tap water report Some concern
Water utilities serving Waukesha, WI
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- WAUKESHA WATER UTILITYSome concern
- HUNTINGTON PARKNo recent federal sampling
Also covers / overlaps with
- Genesee, WI · Township
- Pewaukee, WI
- Big Bend, WI
- Brookfield, WI · Township
- Delafield, WI · Township
- Vernon, WI · Township