Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Milwaukee?
Yes, Milwaukee's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Milwaukee has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Milwaukee's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Milwaukee's water utility, Milwaukee Waterworks, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Milwaukee was resolved on March 31, 2015. This assessment is based on the Milwaukee Waterworks water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Milwaukee Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Milwaukee tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Milwaukee's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Milwaukee Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Milwaukee Waterworks for Milwaukee in Wisconsin. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
From Jan. 1, 2015 to March 31, 2015, Milwaukee had 2 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violations with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant codes: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Is there Lead in Milwaukee Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Milwaukee water system, Milwaukee Waterworks, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0062 mg/L of lead in Milwaukee water. This is 41.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Milwaukee contained more lead.
While Milwaukee water testing may have found 0.0062 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Milwaukee Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - General Mitchell International Airport - near Milwaukee with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Milwaukee has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
Milwaukee SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01/01/2015 - 03/31/2015 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) | TTHM (2950) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) |
01/01/2015 - 03/31/2015 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) | Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (2456) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
Field | Description |
---|---|
Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Milwaukee Water - Frequently Asked Questions
By Mail: | 841 N BROADWAY ROOM 406 MILWAUKEE, WI, 53202 |
Existing customers can login to their Milwaukee Waterworks account to pay their Milwaukee water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Milwaukee Waterworks bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Milwaukee water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Milwaukee water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Milwaukee means you will often need to put the water in your name with Milwaukee Waterworks. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Milwaukee means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Milwaukee Waterworks. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$2 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Milwaukee, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Milwaukee Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Milwaukee's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
2020 Consumer Confidence Report
2020 Reporte de Confianza del Consumidor
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) require drinking water utilities to provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report to help consumers understand where their drinking water comes from, so they can make informed decisions about their health and protection of the environment. In this report, you will find:
- Information about the source of your drinking water
- The treatment process that ensures the highest quality water
- Results of 2020 water quality testing and compliance with water quality regulations and standards
- 2020 Lead and Copper Rule results
- Additional educational information and public health announcements
Visit Milwaukee.gov/water for more information.
Table of Contents |
Page |
MWW customers |
1 |
Source water and treatment |
2 |
Definitions |
3 |
Water quality data |
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Lead and drinking water |
7 |
Educational information |
8 |
Milwaukee Water Works
The City of
Wholesale Customers: Brown Deer, Butler, Greendale, Menomonee Falls,
Mequon, Milwaukee County Grounds, New Berlin, Shorewood, Thiensville,
Wauwatosa, and West Allis.
Retail Customers: Greenfield, Hales Corners, a portion of Franklin,
Milwaukee, St. Francis, and West Milwaukee.
Participate in decisions regarding your water
Attend City of Milwaukee Common Council Public Works Committee meetings, which occur regularly each month in Milwaukee City Hall, Room 301B, 200 East Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. You may also attend City of Milwaukee Common Council meetings, which meet in the Milwaukee City Hall, 3rd Floor Common Council Chambers, 200 East Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Common Council meeting dates vary. Please contact the City Clerk for the schedule at
Important Information |
Información Importante |
Lug tseem ceeb rua cov siv dlej kws has |
This report contains important |
Este informe contiene información muy |
lug Moob |
information about your drinking water. |
importante sobre su agua de beber. |
Ntawm nuav yog cov lug tseem ceeb |
Translate it, or speak with someone who |
Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo |
qha txug kev haus dlej nyob nroog |
understands it. |
entienda bien. |
Milwaukee. Yog mej nyeem tsi tau cov |
|
|
lug nuav, thov lwm tug txhais rua mej. |
This material is available in alternative formats for individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact the City of Milwaukee ADA Coordinator via phone at (414)
Milwaukee’s Source Water Comes from Lake Michigan
Milwaukee’s drinking water comes from Lake Michigan, a surface water source. The most recent DNR Source Water Assessment for Milwaukee is available online under “Resources” at Milwaukee.gov/water/WaterQuality. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants, or substances, that may be present in source water include:
- Microbial contaminants, such as viruses, protozoa, and bacteria, may come from leaky sewer pipes, septic
septic systems.
- Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s safe drinking water hotline
systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
- Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
- Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
- Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and
In order to ensure that tap water is safe, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Milwaukee Water Works maintains a nationally recognized water monitoring program to assure all treated water meets or exceeds local, state, and federal regulations. In 2020, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) awarded the MWW Water Quality Section with the Utility Achievement
Award for Ongoing Excellence in Water Quality through Laboratory Accreditation.
- Ozone disinfection: Ozone gas is bubbled through the incoming lake water. Ozone destroys disease- causing microorganisms including Giardia and Cryptosporidium, controls taste and odor, and reduces the formation of chlorinated disinfection byproducts.
- Coagulation and Flocculation: Aluminum sulfate is added to the water to neutralize the charge on microscopic particles. The water is then gently mixed to encourage suspended particles to stick together to form “floc.”
- Sedimentation: Sedimentation is the process in which floc settles out and is removed from the water.
- Biologically Active Filtration: The water is slowly filtered through 24” of anthracite coal and 12” of crushed sand to remove very small particles.
- Chlorine Disinfection: After filtration, chlorine is added as a secondary disinfectant to provide extra protection from potentially harmful microorganisms.
- Fluoridation: Fluoride, when administered at low levels, is proven to help prevent tooth decay.
- Clearwell Storage: Treated water is stored in deep underground tanks and pumped as needed through the distribution system.
- Corrosion Control: A phosphorus compound is added to help control corrosion of pipes. This helps prevent lead and copper from leaching from plumbing into water.
- Chloramine Protection: Ammonia changes the chlorine to chloramine, a disinfectant that maintains bacteriological protection in the distribution system.
2
Reading the Water Quality Tables
The following tables show regulated and unregulated contaminants, or substances, detected in Milwaukee’s drinking water in 2020. It also includes all substances tested for in the mandatory EPA monitoring program, most recently the Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule
Definitions
Action Level (AL) |
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirement that a |
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water system must follow. Action levels are reported at the 90th percentile for homes at greatest risk. |
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An estimate of acceptable drinking water levels for a chemical substance based on health effects |
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Health Advisory (HA) |
information; a health advisory is not a legally enforceable federal standard, but serves as technical |
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guidance to assist federal, state, and local officials. |
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Maximum contaminant level |
The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as |
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(MCL) |
feasible using the best available treatment technology. |
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Maximum contaminant level |
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. |
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goal (MCLG) |
MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. |
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Maximum residual disinfectant |
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a |
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level (MRDL) |
disinfectant is necessary for the control of microbial contaminants. |
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Maximum residual disinfectant |
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. |
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level goal (MRDLG) |
MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contamination. |
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Treatment technique (TT) |
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. |
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Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium |
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Turbidity |
for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of |
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may include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, |
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and associated headaches. |
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Unit abbreviations
< |
“less than” or not detected |
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pH measurements are expressed as the negative base 10 logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration |
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NA |
not applicable |
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NR |
not regulated |
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NTU |
nephelometric turbidity unit (a unit to measure turbidity) |
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ppb |
parts per billion (microgram per liter) |
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ppm |
parts per million (milligram per liter) |
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ppq |
parts per quadrillion (picograms per liter) |
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ppt |
parts per trillion (nanogram per liter) |
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pCi/L |
picocuries per liter: a measure of radioactivity |
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RAA |
running annual average: the average of four quarterly samples collected in one year |
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3
Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Standards
The EPA has National Primary Drinking Water Regulations that set water quality standards for contaminants, or substances, in public drinking water. These standards are referred to as maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), which are established to protect public health, and are legally enforceable above the allowed MCL. The EPA has
also established National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations that set
Monitoring for Cryptosporidium and Other Contaminants
Milwaukee Water Works maintains an extensive, nationally recognized water quality monitoring program. The utility tests for approximately 500 substances to ensure safe water, increase understanding of how substances affect public health, and meet future regulations. Below are unregulated substances that were detected in treated water in 2020. A full list of undetected substances can be found under “Resources” at Milwaukee.gov/water/WaterQuality. Cryptosporidium was not detected in any
of the source water or finished drinking water samples collected in 2020. Additionally, no Giardia, Reovirus, or Enterovirus
were detected in MWW drinking water in 2020.
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Ideal |
Highest |
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Primary Substances |
Level |
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Meets |
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Goal |
Average |
Range |
Typical Source of Substance |
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Detected |
Allowed |
Standard |
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(MCLG) |
(MCL) |
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Antimony (ppb) |
6 |
6 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
Yes |
Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire |
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retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder |
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Atrazine (ppb) |
3 |
3 |
0.03 |
< 0.01 - 0.08 |
Yes |
Herbicide |
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Barium (ppm) |
2 |
2 |
0.019 |
0.019 |
Yes |
Drilling waste discharge; metal refineries |
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Bromate (ppb) |
0 |
10 RAA |
4.0 |
< 1.5 - 5.0 |
Yes |
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Chlorine, Total (ppm) |
4 |
4 (MRDL) |
1.53 |
1.01 |
- 1.86 |
Yes |
Water additive used to control microbes |
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Chlorite (ppm) |
0.8 |
1 |
0.003 |
0.0007 - 0.005 |
Yes |
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Chromium, Total (ppb) |
100 |
100 |
0.9 |
0.8 |
- 0.9 |
Yes |
Natural deposits and manufacturing |
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Erosion of natural deposits; water additive |
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Fluoride (ppm) |
4.0 |
4.0 |
0.66 |
0.27 |
- 0.79 |
Yes |
which promotes strong teeth; discharge |
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from fertilizer and aluminum factories |
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Haloacetic Acids [HAA5] (ppb) |
NA |
60 |
2.1 |
1.0 |
- 3.3 |
Yes |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
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Heterotrophic plate count |
NA |
TT |
Met |
Met standard |
Yes |
Naturally present in the environment; |
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Runoff from fertilizer use; leeching from |
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Nitrate, as N (ppm) |
10 |
10 |
0.35 |
0.32 |
- 0.37 |
Yes |
septic tanks sewage; erosion of natural |
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deposits |
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Radionuclides |
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Gross alpha (pCi/L) |
0 |
15 |
0.7 |
0.5 |
- 0.7 |
Yes |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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[excluding Ra and U] |
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Gross alpha (pCi/L) |
0 |
15 |
0.9 |
0.7 |
- 0.9 |
Yes |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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Gross beta (pCi/L) |
0 |
50 |
1.6 |
Yes |
Decay of natural and manmade deposits |
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Radium (pCi/L) |
0 |
5 |
0.9 |
0.7 |
- 0.9 |
Yes |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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Uranium (ppb) |
0 |
30 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
Yes |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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Total Trihalomethanes [TTHM] |
NA |
80 |
8.5 |
1.5 - 12.3 |
Yes |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
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Turbidity (NTU) |
NA |
< 0.300 |
0.01 |
0.16 |
Yes |
Soil runoff |
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95% of time |
maximum |
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4
Secondary and other substances detected
Secondary Substances Detected |
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Highest Level |
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Average |
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Range |
Meets |
Typical Source of Substance |
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Allowed |
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Standard |
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Aluminum (ppm) |
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0.013 |
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0.005 - 0.021 |
Yes |
Water treatment additive; natural deposits |
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Chloride (ppm) |
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250 |
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15.5 |
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14.3 - 21.1 |
Yes |
Natural deposits and road salts |
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Odor |
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3 |
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1 |
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1 |
Yes |
Naturally present in the environment |
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pH |
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6.5 - 8.5 |
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7.63 |
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7.40 - 7.89 |
Yes |
Naturally present in the environment |
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Sulfate (ppm) |
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250 |
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27.9 |
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25.5 - 32.5 |
Yes |
Natural deposits |
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Total Dissolved Solids (ppm) |
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500 |
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177 |
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161 - 201 |
Yes |
Aggregate of dissolved minerals |
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Other Substances Detected |
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Range of Results |
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Typical Source of Substance |
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0.04 |
- 0.05 |
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Artificial sweetener |
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Ammonia, as N (ppm) |
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0.14 |
- 0.47 |
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Disinfection with chloramines; wastes; fertilizers and natural processes |
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Boron (ppb) |
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22 |
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Naturally occurring; borax mining and refining; boric acid manufacturing |
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Bromide (ppb) |
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14 |
- 29 |
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Naturally occurring |
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Bromochloroacetonitrile (ppb) |
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< 0.3 - 1.1 |
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Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
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Calcium (ppm) |
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34 |
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Naturally occurring |
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Chlorate (ppm) |
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0.32 |
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Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
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Chloropicrin (ppb) |
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< 0.3 - 1.0 |
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Fungicide, herbicide, insecticide and nematicide |
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Chromium, hexavalent (ppb) |
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0.14 |
- 0.20 |
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Natural deposits and manufacturing |
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Cotinine (ppt) |
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1 |
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Metabolic byproduct of tobacco smoking |
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|
|
|
|
|
||
Deethylatrazine |
|
|
< 0.01 - 0.02 |
|
|
Herbicide |
|
|
||||
Dibromoacetonitrile (ppb) |
|
|
|
0.2 |
- 0.6 |
|
|
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lithium (ppb) |
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
Naturally occurring |
|
||||
Magnesium (ppm) |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
Naturally occurring |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nickel (ppb) |
|
|
|
0.5 |
- 0.6 |
|
|
Natural deposits and manufacturing |
||||
|
< 2.0 - 4.1 |
|
|
Disinfection with chloramines; cured meats; pesticides |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
< 2.0 - 2.2 |
|
|
Disinfection with chloramines; cured meats; pesticides |
||||||||
Perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS] (ppt) |
|
< 2.0 - 2.3 |
|
|
Waterproofing; textile manufacturing; used in fire fighting foams |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.59 |
- 3.27 |
|
|
Byproduct of drinking water treatment |
||||||
Phosphorus as P (ppm) |
|
|
0.53 |
- 0.81 |
|
|
Naturally occurring |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potassium (ppm) |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
Naturally occurring |
|
||||
Rubidium (ppb) |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
Naturally occurring |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silica (ppm) |
|
|
|
2.0 |
- 2.6 |
|
|
Naturally occurring |
|
|||
Sodium (ppm) |
|
|
|
9.6 |
- 9.7 |
|
|
Natural deposits and road salt |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strontium (ppb) |
|
|
|
110 |
|
|
Natural deposits |
|
||||
Sucralose (ppt) |
|
|
|
< 25 - 33 |
|
|
Artificial sweetener |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Organic Carbon (ppm) |
|
|
1.25 |
- 1.74 |
|
|
Naturally present in the environment |
|||||
Total Solids (ppm) |
|
|
140 |
- 160 |
|
|
Measure of solid materials in water |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
- 0.9 |
|
|
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|||||
Tris(chloropropyl) phosphate (ppb) |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
Flame retardant |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5
Fourth Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR-4)(2018)
The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) was established by the EPA as part of the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996. Every five years, in compliance with the EPA, Milwaukee Water Works collects data on potential contaminants that are not yet regulated but are known, or anticipated, to occur in public water systems. These data help the EPA determine if future regulations are needed for contaminants of concern.
Average |
Highest |
Typical source of substance |
||
Detected |
||||
|
|
|
||
< 0.0100 |
< 0.0100 |
Pesticide |
||
< 2.00 |
< 2.00 |
Solvent, food additive |
||
Butylated hydroxyanisole (ppt) |
< 0.300 |
< 0.300 |
Food additive (antioxidant) |
|
Chlorpyrifos (ppt) |
< 0.0300 |
< 0.0300 |
Organophosphate, insecticide, acaricide, miticide |
|
Dimethipin (ppt) |
< 0.200 |
< 0.200 |
Herbicide and plant growth regulator |
|
Ethoprop (ppt) |
< 0.030 |
< 0.030 |
Insecticide |
|
Germanium (ppt) |
< 0.300 |
< 0.300 |
Naturally occurring element |
|
Manganese (ppt) |
0.423 |
0.520 |
Naturally occurring element |
|
< 0.400 |
< 0.400 |
Synthetic cosmetics, perfumes, fragrances, hair preparations, |
||
skin lotions |
||||
|
|
|
||
< 7.00 |
< 7.00 |
Dyes, rubber, pharmaceuticals, pesticide |
||
Oxyfluorfen (ppt) |
< 0.500 |
< 0.500 |
Herbicide |
|
Permethrin cis & trans (ppt) |
< 0.040 |
< 0.040 |
Insecticide |
|
Profenofos (ppt) |
< 0.300 |
< 0.300 |
Insecticide and acaricide |
|
< 0.500 |
< 0.500 |
Flavorings, perfumes |
||
Quinoline (ppt) |
< 0.020 |
< 0.020 |
||
Tebuconazole (ppt) |
< 0.200 |
< 0.200 |
Fungicide |
|
Tribufos (ppt) |
< 0.070 |
< 0.070 |
Insecticide, cotton defoliant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
Highest |
Typical source of substance |
||
Cyanotoxins (2018) |
Detected |
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
< 30 |
< 30 |
Source water |
||
|
|
|
|
|
Cylindrospermopsin (ppt) |
< 90 |
< 90 |
Source water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Microcystins & Nodularins (ppb) |
< 0.300 |
< 0.300 |
Source water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
Highest |
Typical source of substance |
||
Surface Water Indicators (2018) |
Detected |
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
Bromide (ppb) |
30.3 |
35.3 |
Source water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Organic Carbon [TOC] (ppm) |
1.840 |
2.040 |
Source water |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
Highest |
Typical source of substance |
||
Distribution Water (2018) |
Detected |
|||
|
|
|||
Bromochloroacetic acid [BCAA] (ppb) |
0.895 |
1.180 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
Bromodichloroacetic acid [BDCAA] (ppb) |
0.750 |
1.090 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chlorodibromoacetic acid [CDBAA] (ppb) |
0.413 |
0.524 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
Dibromoacetic acid [DBAA] (ppb) |
0.379 |
0.504 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dichloroacetic acid [DCAA] (ppb) |
1.473 |
2.020 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
Monobromoacetic acid [MBAA] (ppb) |
< 0.300 |
< 0.300 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monochloroacetic acid [MCAA] (ppb) |
< 2.00 |
< 2.00 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
Tribromoacetic acid [TBAA] (ppb) |
< 2.00 |
< 2.00 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trichloroacetic acid [TCAA] (ppb) |
0.757 |
1.260 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
HAA5 Total (ppb) |
2.494 |
3.398 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
|
|
|
|
|
HAA6 Br Total (ppb) |
2.284 |
3.075 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
HAA9 Total (ppb) |
4.483 |
5.951 |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
|
|
|
|
|
6
Lead and Copper Rule (2020)
In 2020, in compliance with the US EPA and Wisconsin DNR, Milwaukee Water Works completed Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) testing. In order to remain in compliance with EPA regulations, 90th percentile levels must be below 15 ppb for lead and 1300 ppb for copper.
Lead and Copper (2020) |
Action Level |
90th percentile |
Highest |
Sites Exceeding |
|
Detected |
Action Level |
||||
|
|
|
|||
Copper (ppb) |
1300 |
50.0 |
250 |
0 |
|
Lead (ppb) |
15.0 |
6.2 |
130 |
2 |
Lead reduction
Since 1996, the Milwaukee Water Works has added ortho- phosphate to its finished water to reduce lead and copper from dissolving into the water. This is called corrosion con- trol treatment (CCT). Lead in drinking water has been dras- tically reduced by as much as 60% since the implementa- tion of CCT (see right figure). In 2002, the DNR considered the MWW CCT to be optimized, meaning the water quality characteristics were ideal for reducing lead in water. In 2019, the MWW began a
Lead and Copper Public Safety
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Milwaukee Water Works is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for three minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Additional information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the EPA at EPA.gov/safewater/lead.
Guidelines regarding lead
-
Occupants of buildings where lead service lines are present should adequately flush water lines after prolonged periods of stagnation to reduce potential lead hazards, but the use of NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certified lead filters is the most thorough means of
lead-water safety. -
At-risk populations of women and children living in buildings where lead service lines are present, including women who are pregnant, may become pregnant (woman ages15-45) or are breastfeeding, and children up to the age of 6, should drink and cook only with water that has been filtered with an NSF/ANSI Standard 53 lead certified filter. -
If using water directly from the faucet (without a filter), only cold water that has been
well-flushed for a minimum of three minutes should be used. Not running your water for the recommended length of time may increase your risk of lead exposure. - To learn more, visit MWW Lead and Water at Milwaukee.gov/water/WaterQuality/LeadAndWater.
Other Compliance
Deficiency description: Milwaukee Water Works was notified of the following deficiency on August 6, 2019, “System is not implementing a comprehensive
Actions taken: The Milwaukee Water Works developed a
7
Other Educational Information
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic protozoan that, when ingested, can result in diarrhea, fever, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The Milwaukee Water Works and Milwaukee Health Department consider Cryptosporidium detection a priority, and since 1993, have continued to test Lake Michigan source water and treated water for Cryptosporidium.
Cryptosporidium is found in many surface water sources (lakes, rivers, streams) and comes from human and animal wastes in the watershed. The risk of Cryptosporidium infection from drinking water has been reduced to extremely
low levels by an effective treatment combination (see page 2), which places Milwaukee Water Works in the Bin 1 classification (lowest risk) for Cryptosporidium treatment requirements set by the DNR.
The Milwaukee Water Works provides a brochure based on EPA and CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium. Obtain a copy from our Customer Service Center, (414)
Information for Those with Compromised Immune Systems and/or Vulnerable Populations
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available at
Notice to Parents of Infants Six Months of Age or Younger
According to the CDC, the proper amount of fluoride, from infancy and at all ages throughout life, helps prevent and control tooth decay (cavities). Therefore, the Milwaukee Water Works, following public health recommendations, maintains a level of fluoride in our drinking water that is both safe and effective. The following is an advisory regarding fluoride and young infants:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, for optimal short– and
As of August 31, 2012, Milwaukee water is fluoridated at a
level not to exceed 0.7 mg/L. According to the CDC, for infants up to six months of age, if tap water is fluoridated or has substantial natural fluoride (0.7 mg/L or higher) and is being used to dilute infant formula, a parent may consider using a
Milwaukee Water Works
Customer Service Center Zeidler Municipal Building
841 N. Broadway, Room 406 Milwaukee, WI 53202
Open
Contact Us
Phone: (414)
TDD: (414)
Fax: (414)
(414)
For
Para una explicación en Español, por favor llame al:
(414)
8
Contaminants
Milwaukee Waterworks
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 647290
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 29
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Arsenic
- Bromate
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Nitrate
- Nitrate and nitrite
- Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Other Detected Contaminants
- Aldicarb sulfoxide
- Aluminum
- Antimony
- Atrazine
- Barium
- Bromoform
- Chlorate
- Chromium (total)
- Desethylatrazine
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Strontium
- Trichloroacetic acid
- Vanadium
- Xylenes (total)
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.
Sources and Resources
Sources Cited
Additional Resources
Milwaukee Tap Water
You are making a wise decision to invest in reusable, recyclable, and disposable water containers to store your Milwaukee tap water in. The bottled water and ice water industries are trying to make it hard to be successful, but this is not necessary if you store your water in the right way. Your drinking water is as clean and natural as the water coming out of your tap, so why do you have to pay for drinks you could be making at home? Instead of throwing away plastic water bottles, find ways to reuse them. It makes more sense to pay a little extra and keep your Milwaukee tap in perfect condition than paying a lot of money to replace bottles.
Of all the options for water storage available to you, just one has to meet all federal guidelines for safe drinking water: your Milwaukee tap. Choose your own Milwaukee tap and keep it free from any contamination. If your tap comes from a municipal source, treat the water to remove any bacteria that may be present. You can also buy portable filters that you can use in your own home. Simply follow the instructions for use and read the label.
One of the best ways to protect your family from impurities is to install filter systems in all of your kitchen and bathroom faucets. By removing these contaminants from your tap, you will eliminate the need to toss plastic water bottles into your garbage. Also, by keeping your tap clear, you are increasing its useable life. How many times have you had to turn off the faucet or drain water because of a clog? The fewer times this happens, the less money you’ll spend on repairs.
Milwaukee Water
Milwaukee water treatment meets all federal and state health regulations. Milwaukee’s clean and pure water, refreshing, all day long, is an excellent value. Four six-gallon bottles cost one dollar. If you consume eight glasses of purified water a day, then you spend $2,790 a year on bottled waters alone.
There are many distributors in Wisconsin who pride themselves on delivering clean and pure water to our homes. However, it can be costly, particularly if you do not take care of storing it properly. This may be the reason that some people choose to purchase bottled water. It seems much safer to buy something in bulk at a discount than to try to keep up with the regular six-gallon rotation. This would free up a lot of money for you, which you could use for something more important in life. I have heard it said that if you want to become rich, start with your own water supply!
If you are not sure about what kind of filtration system to buy, there are plenty of options in Wisconsin. In particular, Milwaukee is well known for having a good variety of different manufacturers. Your personal tastes and budget will play a big part in the choice that you make. You should also check out the vendors online. You may find better prices online.
Milwaukee Water Source
The Milwaukee water system is considered one of the most modern in the United States. With an average annual rainfall of over seven million, the city boasts of a lush green landscape and beautiful natural scenery. As the largest city in Wisconsin, Milwaukee stands as the ideal place for a home or business to call home. In addition to its scenic beauty, the city also offers a wide variety of employment opportunities, from the manufacturing base of the modern era of industries such as Greenfield, Kohler, Wal-Mart, and others to the more luring prospects of service jobs such as those provided by restaurants or gyms. As you explore the various aspects of this dynamic city, you will find that there are many different routes you can take to get there – whether it be an authentic Milwaukee accent professional Milwaukee services, family fun attractions, or a quick escape to another world.
While there may be some people who find a personal Milwaukee water source boring, the truth is that the Milwaukee water treatment plant spares no expense in providing clean, purified water for all of its residents. The system uses sophisticated purification technology to provide safe, great-tasting water for all of its residents. If you want to enjoy a refreshing drink at any time, day or night, there is no reason that you should ever have to settle for water that has been subjected to public filtration and treatment. No matter what time of the year it may be, there is always going to be a Milwaukee water source that will be right on your doorstep. The only thing that you will ever need to do is look for one close to your home or office.
This water source will provide you with exceptional health benefits as well as give you cleaner water than you could ever dream of. The city of Milwaukee uses the most advanced methods of purification to ensure that the water that is delivered is free from bacteria and other impurities that could endanger your health. With an emphasis on environmental protection, you can be sure that your Milwaukee water source is treating the water to ensure it is the safest it can possibly be. Whether you want a cool, refreshing beverage at 2 a.m. or want to make sure that you and your family stay healthy, there is no better water source in the entire world.
Milwaukee Water Works
An easy way to be familiar with the different water systems in your city or town would be to take a look at the city of Milwaukee waterworks systems. This is especially great if you are moving to this area and will not have easy access to a water source in your new home. Even if you are already residing in the area and just want to know more about your water supply, it would be helpful to check out the city’s waterworks to see how reliable and safe the system is for your family and community. It is important to know how safe the water in your area is because you don’t want to become a victim of waterborne illnesses and other water-borne diseases.
It is possible for you to go to your city’s waterworks department and get an assessment of the type of water source that is currently available to you. If there are specific areas of the city that have better or worse water quality than others, it would be good for you to find out if you are among those people by looking at your water reports and finding out what kind of waterworks system that your community uses. If you’re not sure which specific treatment facility in your community uses, you can go online and look up their system maps, which should tell you which treatment facilities are responsible for which part of the city. If you live in the rural parts of the city, you might have a different waterworks system than those living in the urban area since they use different methods to purify the water.
However, if you want to be sure that the system you are using is safe for your family, it would be helpful for you to learn more about the various waterworks systems available in the area. By doing this, you could pinpoint which particular treatment system is best for your family’s water needs. It also helps to know how often the system has to be serviced since there are times when the water gets interrupted for various reasons that may affect the quality of the water. There are different ways to get this kind of information, so it would be best for you to do some research.
Milwaukee Water Treatment Facility
When you are looking for a water treatment facility in Wisconsin then you will want to make sure that you check out the professional staff of the company. They are trained to be experts in the way that the water is treated and they will know how to keep your family safe from the harmful effects of untreated water. If you want to make sure that you and your family are safe from the water that comes from your tap then it is time that you took the proper precautions to ensure that you are doing the right thing. This is not a job that you should take lightly because the safety of your family is resting on your decision.
The Milwaukee water treatment facility is right around the corner and you can find out more information about it and how they can provide you with the kind of service that you need. No matter what kind of water that you have in your home or what kind of stains your water may have gotten, the professionals at this facility can help. They are experts in water treatment and you will be happy to know that they will take care of everything for you. You can trust them to give you the best treatment for your water and to keep it clean and pure at all times.
Milwaukee’s Drinking Water
It is now publicly known that the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner has found traces of prescription drugs in the drinking water of Milwaukee. This comes as no surprise considering the fact that the drugs are being consumed by thousands of Milwaukee residents each day. These drugs are often used by doctors on patients who cannot get treatment through other means due to their health conditions. It is for this reason that Milwaukee is experiencing a major public health crisis with regard to its drinking water.
In order for the citizens of Milwaukee to be free from the contaminated waters, the Wisconsin Department of Health does not stand behind the claims that these drugs have been found in the drinking water of the city. Rather, the Wisconsin Department of Medicine believes that the presence of these drugs is due to waste material that might have been discharged from the Milwaukee treatment plant. This waste material may also have come from another storage facility. Therefore, it can be concluded that the drugs came from somewhere else besides the plant. The only way the Milwaukee water contamination problem can be solved is by having these wastes removed from the drinking water supply of the people of Milwaukee.
As if this is not enough to scare the residents of Milwaukee, there is still more bad news for them. Because of all the drugs found in the drinking water, the cost to provide clean and healthy water to Milwaukee’s residents is very high. In addition, the clean-up process that would be required for the removal of the drugs from the drinking water would also be very costly. The residents of Milwaukee need not worry about the contaminated drinking water anymore. There is help at hand though, and it is being provided by the new Environmental Protection Agency which is calling the McKinney Riverkeeper.
Drinking-Water Quality
Drinking water quality standards are necessary for many reasons. The ability of water to aid the body in fighting disease is the primary reason why this is important. Many diseases exist in countries with poor drinking water. Diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery are common in undeveloped countries without safe drinking water supplies. Unsafe levels of consumption can cause death. Drinking water quality standards are necessary to limit the risk of these diseases.
The United States has among the safest and reliable drinking water supplies in the world. Every year, an estimated million people receive their water supply from a municipal water source. The majority of the water supply systems in the United States are required to meet the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act. The drinking water quality that is provided to residences comes either from an above-ground public supply or a surface supply.
For drinking water systems, testing is performed on an annual basis at the water treatment facility or at the individual home. For private well water systems, testing may be conducted more frequently, but this should not be done unless approved by the county drainage district. The county will also require the well to be located on private good lands, if applicable. Private well water systems that are located on government lands do not have to test for safety on an annual basis or have testing conducted according to local drinking water quality standards.