What contaminants are in Milwaukee's water?

Milwaukee's water utility tests for 522 different contaminants. Currently, 6 contaminants are above EPA MCLGs. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including test results, health effects, and comparisons to EPA MCLGs in the sections above.

Do I need a water filter in Milwaukee?

Yes, we recommend using a water filter in Milwaukee. With 6 contaminants above EPA MCLGs, a certified water filter can reduce your exposure to these substances. Look for filters certified for NSF-53 (health effects) or NSF-58 (reverse osmosis) that specifically remove the contaminants found in your water.

Does Milwaukee have any water quality violations?

MILWAUKEE WATERWORKS currently has no reported Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations, meaning the water meets all federal legal limits. However, health-based guidelines are often more protective than legal limits, which is why we compare test results to EPA MCLG Levels on this page.

Why does Milwaukee's water taste like chlorine?

MILWAUKEE WATERWORKS uses chloramines, hypochlorite, ozone to disinfect the water and kill harmful bacteria and viruses. While chlorine is essential for public health, it can affect the taste and smell of your water. A simple activated carbon filter (like a pitcher filter or faucet mount) can effectively remove chlorine and improve taste.

Is Milwaukee's water hard or soft?

Milwaukee's water has 135 PPM average hardness. Soft water is generally easier on plumbing and appliances, and requires less soap for cleaning.

What are the main contaminants in Milwaukee tap water?

The main contaminants of concern in Milwaukee's tap water include Gross Alpha Activity, Arsenic, Radium, combined (-226 & -228). These substances were found above EPA health-based guidelines. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including health effects and recommended filters, in the contaminants section above.

Can you drink tap water in Milwaukee?

While you can technically drink tap water in Milwaukee as it meets legal requirements, 6 contaminants are above EPA health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter for optimal protection, especially for vulnerable individuals.

How often is Milwaukee's water tested?

MILWAUKEE WATERWORKS is required by federal law to test water quality regularly. The frequency depends on the contaminant - some are tested daily (like bacteria), while others are tested monthly, quarterly, or annually. The test results shown on this page are from the most recent testing period reported to the EPA.

Where does Milwaukee's tap water come from?

Milwaukee's drinking water comes from surface water. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which require more extensive treatment to remove sediments and potential contaminants. The utility treats this water using biological filtration, conventional before distribution.

What is the overall water quality in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has 6 contaminants above EPA health guidelines (MCLGs) out of 522+ tested. While meeting federal legal limits (MCLs), the presence of contaminants above health-based guidelines suggests that using a certified water filter could provide additional protection, especially for sensitive populations.

What are the most common contaminants detected in Milwaukee water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Milwaukee water include: pH, Hardness (Total), Gross Alpha Activity, Arsenic, Chloride. Of these, 6 exceed EPA health guidelines. These contaminants are regularly monitored by MILWAUKEE WATERWORKS and reported to the EPA. View the detailed contaminant section above for specific levels and health information.

Milwaukee Tap Water Quality Report

Milwaukee's water has 6 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.

Utilities

4 Utilities

People Served

626,329

MCL Violations

Last Updated

2025-09-26

Is Milwaukee Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Milwaukee's water has 6 contaminants above EPA health-based 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 Milwaukee's water.

The data below shows test results from 4 water utilities serving 626,329 people in the Milwaukee area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated 2025-09-26.

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Milwaukee Water Service Areas

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Recommended Water Filters for Milwaukee

Based on Milwaukee's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.

Our Pick

BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Solventum Purification Inc.

3MRO401

(35 reviews)

679.95

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

11.48 gpd

Removes 15 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more

View Details

BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Solventum Purification Inc.

3MRO301

(13 reviews)

586.95

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

11.48 gpd

Removes 15 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more

View Details

Highly Rated

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE

AquaTru

Classic

449

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

NSF-58

NSF-401

NSF-P473

NSF-372

Flow Rate

0.04 gpm

Daily Production

600 gpd

Removes 23 contaminants:

83+, Lead, Fluoride, Strontium, Uranium +18 more

View Details

Best Value

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST EFFICIENCY

AquaTru

Carafe

349

NSF Certified:

NSF-53

NSF-42

NSF-58

NSF-401

NSF-372

NSF-P473

Flow Rate

0.3 gpm

Daily Production

4 gpd

Removes 17 contaminants:

PFOA, PFOS, Chlorine, Lead, Fluoride +12 more

View Details

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

With 6 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.

RECOMMENDED

SimpleLab

Advanced Home Water Test

$369

Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.

(19 reviews)

7-10 days

300+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 300+ parameters

Most thorough analysis available

EPA-certified laboratory

Order Test Kit

SimpleLab

Standard Home Water Test

$232

Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.

(209 reviews)

7-10 days

200+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 200+ contaminants

EPA-certified laboratory

Easy mail-in sample collection

Order Test Kit

Tap Score

Advanced Microplastics Test

$636

Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.

(30 reviews)

10-14 days

1+ tested

Advanced detection technology

Comprehensive particle analysis

Emerging contaminant testing

Order Test Kit

EPA-Certified Labs

7-10 Day Results

Easy Mail-In Collection

Browse All Test Kits

Frequently Asked Questions About Milwaukee Tap Water

Milwaukee's water has 6 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. 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 Milwaukee's water.

Milwaukee Tap Water Quality Report

Is Milwaukee Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Milwaukee Water Service Areas

Recommended Water Filters for Milwaukee

3MRO401

3MRO301

Classic

Carafe

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

Advanced Home Water Test

Standard Home Water Test

Advanced Microplastics Test

Frequently Asked Questions About Milwaukee Tap Water

Is Milwaukee tap water safe to drink?

What contaminants are in Milwaukee's water?

Do I need a water filter in Milwaukee?

Does Milwaukee have any water quality violations?

Why does Milwaukee's water taste like chlorine?

Is Milwaukee's water hard or soft?

What are the main contaminants in Milwaukee tap water?

Can you drink tap water in Milwaukee?

How often is Milwaukee's water tested?

Where does Milwaukee's tap water come from?

What is the overall water quality in Milwaukee?

What are the most common contaminants detected in Milwaukee water?

Stay Informed About Your Water Quality