Water Quality in Fitchburg, WI

Fitchburg's water has 5 contaminants above health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter.

Utility

MADISON WATER UTILITY

People Served

272,000

MCL Violations

0

Last Updated

Jul 8, 2025

Quick Summary

20
Contaminants Tested
5
Above Guidelines
Above EPA Limits
EPA Status
Same as state average

Contaminants Detected

⚠️ Contaminants Above Health Guidelines (5)

What is Chlorine (Total)?

Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is a strong oxidizing agent. Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria and other pathogens, making water safe for drinking.

Health Effects

Exposure to chlorine can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Ingesting high levels of chlorine can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other serious health problems.

Affected Organs

Respiratory systemSkinEyesGastrointestinal system

Common Sources

Water treatment processesDisinfection of drinking waterIndustrial discharge
Last Tested: Jul 8, 2025

What is Chlorine (Free)?

Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is a strong oxidizing agent. Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria and other pathogens.

Health Effects

Exposure to chlorine can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Ingesting chlorine can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other serious health problems.

Affected Organs

LungsSkinEyesGastrointestinal tract

Common Sources

Water treatment processesSwimming poolsHousehold cleaning products
Last Tested: Jul 8, 2025

What is Radium 228?

Radium-228 is a radioactive isotope of radium that occurs naturally in uranium and thorium ores. It is part of the decay chain of uranium-232 and has a half-life of 5.75 years. Radium-228 can be found in groundwater and can contaminate drinking water supplies.

Health Effects

Exposure to radium-228 can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bone cancer, due to its radioactive properties. Long-term exposure can also affect the kidneys and other organs.

Affected Organs

BoneKidneysLiver

Common Sources

Natural depositsIndustrial discharge

Certified Filter Standards

View Recommended Filters →
Last Tested: Jul 8, 2025

What is Radium 226?

Radium-226 is a radioactive isotope of radium, which is a naturally occurring element found in uranium ores. It is a decay product of uranium-238 and is known for its radioactive properties, emitting alpha particles and gamma radiation.

Health Effects

Exposure to Radium-226 can lead to serious health issues, including an increased risk of bone cancer and other malignancies. It can accumulate in bones and tissues, leading to long-term health effects due to its radioactivity.

Affected Organs

BonesLiverKidneysNervous system

Common Sources

Natural depositsIndustrial discharge

Certified Filter Standards

View Recommended Filters →
Last Tested: Jul 8, 2025

What is Total THMs?

Group of contaminants that form in drinking water systems when a disinfectant, typically chlorine, reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Drinking water standards for total THMs are based on evidence of carcinogenicity in human and animal studies, as well as liver and kidney toxicity observed in animal studies. Individual THMs have been further associated with developmental, immune, spleen, and genotoxicity.

Affected Organs

spleendevelopmentalkidneysimmune-systemcarcinogensliver

Common Sources

Chlorine disinfection interacting with naturally occurring organic matter in distribution systemsTotal THMs are usually higher in surface water than groundwaterThe release of agricultural and industrial chemicals may also contribute to total THMs in drinking water
Last Tested: Jul 8, 2025

Understanding the Data

This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against health guidelines (HGL). Contaminants above the health guideline are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.

Recommended Water Filters for Fitchburg

Based on Fitchburg's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above health guidelines.

Our Pick
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
GNRQ18NBN[1] GNRQ18NBN[1]

GE Appliances, a Haier Company

GNRQ18NBN[1] GNRQ18NBN[1]

(482 reviews)
58.42

NSF Certified:

NSF-42
NSF-58

Capacity

260 gal

Filter Life

1 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 23 contaminants:

Arsenic, Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chlorine (Free) +18 more

View Details
Highly Rated
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
GXRQ18NBN[1] GXRQ18NBN[1]

GE Appliances, a Haier Company

GXRQ18NBN[1] GXRQ18NBN[1]

(482 reviews)
58.42

NSF Certified:

NSF-42
NSF-58

Capacity

260 gal

Filter Life

1 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 23 contaminants:

Arsenic, Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chlorine (Free) +18 more

View Details
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
Rainsoft Rainsoft Ultrefiner Elite

Aquion, Inc.

Rainsoft Rainsoft Ultrefiner Elite

(60 reviews)
50.79

NSF Certified:

NSF-401
NSF-42
NSF-53
NSF-58

Capacity

2251 gal

Filter Life

8 mo

Flow Rate

1 gpm

Removes 20 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chloramine, Chlorine (Free) +15 more

View Details
BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Solventum Purification Inc.

3MRO501[G] 3MRO501[G]

NSF Certified:

NSF-42
NSF-58

Capacity

15001 gal

Filter Life

50 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 22 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chlorine (Free), Chlorine (Total) +17 more

View Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Fitchburg's water has 5 contaminants above health guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Fitchburg's water.