Waukesha Water Utility
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 2021 - March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility Details
- Waukesha, Wisconsin
- Serves: 70,718
- Data available: 2014-2020*
- Source: Groundwater
* 2020/2021 testing is for chemicals in EPA's Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR-4) only.
Contaminants Detected
11
EXCEED
EWG HEALTH
GUIDELINES
27 Total Contaminants
- Legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.
- Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.
- The best way to ensure clean tap water is to keep pollution out of source water in the first place.
Looking for a countertop water filter?
Find out which filters earned EWG's recommendation
See the guideContaminants Detected
Arsenic
Potential Effect: cancer131x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINEArsenic
more aboutthis contaminant
Arsenic is a potent carcinogen and common contaminant in drinking water. Arsenic causes thousands of cases of cancer each year in the U.S. Click here to read more about arsenic.
Arsenic was found at 131 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.004 ppb for arsenic was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Pollution Sources
![agriculture icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-agriculture.png)
Agriculture
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
![ion exchange icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/IonExchange_Icon.png)
Ion Exchange
Bromodichloromethane
Potential Effect: cancer38x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINEBromodichloromethane
more aboutthis contaminant
Bromodichloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromodichloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Bromodichloromethane was found at 38 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for bromodichloromethane was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Chloroform
Potential Effect: cancer4.9x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINEChloroform
more aboutthis contaminant
Chloroform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Chloroform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.
Chloroform was found at 4.9 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Dibromoacetic acid
Potential Effect: 29x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINEDibromoacetic acid
more aboutthis contaminant
Dibromoacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Dibromoacetic acid was found at 29 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.04 ppb for dibromoacetic acid was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a on-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Pollution Sources
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Dibromochloromethane
Potential Effect: cancer20x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINEDibromochloromethane
more aboutthis contaminant
Dibromochloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Dibromochloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Dibromochloromethane was found at 20 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for dibromochloromethane was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Dichloroacetic acid
Potential Effect: cancer6.9x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINEDichloroacetic acid
more aboutthis contaminant
Dichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Dichloroacetic acid was found at 6.9 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)†
Potential Effect: cancer32x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINEHaloacetic acids (HAA5)
more aboutthis contaminant
Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) was found at 32 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for the group of five haloacetic acids, or HAA5, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Pollution Sources
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Haloacetic acids (HAA9)†
Potential Effect: cancer85x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINEHaloacetic acids (HAA9)
more aboutthis contaminant
Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of nine haloacetic acids includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid, which are regulated as a group by the federal government (HAA5); and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid, and tribromoacetic acid.
Haloacetic acids (HAA9) was found at 85 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for the group of nine haloacetic acids, or HAA9, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Pollution Sources
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Radium, combined (-226 & -228)
over legal limitRadium, combined (-226 & -228)
more aboutthis contaminant
Radium is a radioactive element that causes bone cancer and other cancers. It can occur naturally in groundwater, and oil and gas extraction activities such as hydraulic fracturing can elevate concentrations.
Radium, combined (-226 & -228) was found at 114 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
pCi/L = picocuries per liter
Health Risks
EWG applied the health guideline of 0.05 pCi/L, defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal for radium-226, to radium-226 and radium-228 combined. This health guideline protects against cancer.Pollution Sources
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
![ion exchange icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/IonExchange_Icon.png)
Ion Exchange
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)†
Potential Effect: cancer92x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINETotal trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
more aboutthis contaminant
Trihalomethanes are cancer-causing contaminants that form during water treatment with chlorine and other disinfectants. The total trihalomethanes group includes four chemicals: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) was found at 92 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The health guideline of 0.15 parts per billion, or ppb, for the group of four trihalomethanes, or THM4/TTHM, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-one-million lifetime cancer risk level.Pollution Sources
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Trichloroacetic acid
Potential Effect: cancer5.2x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINETrichloroacetic acid
more aboutthis contaminant
Trichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
Trichloroacetic acid was found at 5.2 times above EWG's Health Guideline.
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for trichloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Includes chemicals detected in 2017-2019 for which annual utility averages exceeded the federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL); chemicals detected in 2017-2019 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; chemicals detected under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4) program in 2017 to 2020 (and subsequent testing when available), for which annual utility averages exceeded a health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; radiological contaminants detected between 2014 and 2019.
† HAA5 is a contaminant group that includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid. HAA9 is a contaminant group that includes the chemicals in HAA5 and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid and tribromoacetic acid. TTHM is a contaminant group that includes bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform and dibromochloromethane.
Aluminum
more aboutthis contaminant
Aluminum is a metal released from metal refineries and mining operations. Too much aluminum exposure can impair children's brain development.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 600 ppb for aluminum was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against harm to the brain and nervous system.
Pollution Sources
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Antimony
more aboutthis contaminant
Antimony is a naturally occurring metal that enters tap water from plumbing fittings and also from industrial uses, such as production of metal alloys, batteries and plastics. Antimony causes organ damage and shortens lifespans in studies of laboratory animals.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppb for antimony was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against change to the stomach and intestines.
Pollution Sources
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
![urban area icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-runoff-sprawl.png)
Runoff & Sprawl
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Barium is a mineral present in rocks, soil and water. High concentrations of barium in drinking water increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 700 ppb for barium was defined by EWG as benchmark that protects against harm to the kidneys and the cardiovascular system.
Pollution Sources
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
![ion exchange icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/IonExchange_Icon.png)
Ion Exchange
Bromoform
more aboutthis contaminant
Bromoform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromoform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.5 ppb for bromoform was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
Pollution Sources
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Cadmium
more aboutthis contaminant
Cadmium is a toxic metal found in food and drinking water. It has been linked to kidney toxicity, bone damage, cancer, and damage to developing fetuses.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.04 ppb for cadmium was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against harm to internal organs.
Pollution Sources
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
![urban area icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-runoff-sprawl.png)
Runoff & Sprawl
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
![ion exchange icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/IonExchange_Icon.png)
Ion Exchange
Chlorate
more aboutthis contaminant
Chlorate forms in drinking water as a byproduct of disinfection. Chlorate impairs thyroid function, making chlorate exposure most harmful during pregnancy and childhood.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 210 ppb for chlorate was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against hormone disruption.
Pollution Sources
![agriculture icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-agriculture.png)
Agriculture
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Cyanide
more aboutthis contaminant
Cyanide is a toxic chemical that causes central nervous system and thyroid toxicity. Water contamination is generally the result of metal mining and chemical industry waste, runoff from agriculture and road salts used for melting ice.
How your levels compare
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Pollution Sources
![agriculture icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-agriculture.png)
Agriculture
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
![urban area icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-runoff-sprawl.png)
Runoff & Sprawl
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
![ion exchange icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/IonExchange_Icon.png)
Ion Exchange
Fluoride
more aboutthis contaminant
Fluoride occurs naturally in surface and groundwater and is also added to drinking water by many water systems.
How your levels compare
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
ppm = parts per million
Pollution Sources
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Manganese
more aboutthis contaminant
Manganese is a naturally occurring element that is common in food and drinking water. Excessive manganese exposures may impair children's attention, memory and intellectual capacity. Click here to read more about manganese.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 100 ppb for manganese was defined by the state of Minnesota as a health risk limit, the concentration of a contaminant that can be consumed with little or no risk to health. This health guideline protects against harm to the brain and nervous system.
Pollution Sources
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![ion exchange icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/IonExchange_Icon.png)
Ion Exchange
Molybdenum
more aboutthis contaminant
Molybdenum is a metal that occurs naturally in soil, minerals and water. People who ingest large amounts can have increased levels of uric acid and gout-like symptoms.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 40 ppb for molybdenum was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against metabolic changes and excess formation of uric acid in the blood.
Pollution Sources
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
![ion exchange icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/IonExchange_Icon.png)
Ion Exchange
Monobromoacetic acid
more aboutthis contaminant
Monobromoacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 25 ppb for monobromoacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.. This health guideline protects against muscular degeneration.
Pollution Sources
![water treatment icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-treatment-byproducts.png)
Treatment Byproducts
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Nitrate
more aboutthis contaminant
Nitrate, a fertilizer chemical, frequently contaminates drinking water due to agricultural and urban runoff, and discharges from municipal wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks. Excessive nitrate in water can cause oxygen deprivation in infants and increase the risk of cancer. Click here to read more about nitrate.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
ppm = parts per million
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.14 ppm for nitrate was defined by EWG . This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.
Pollution Sources
![agriculture icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-agriculture.png)
Agriculture
![urban area icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-runoff-sprawl.png)
Runoff & Sprawl
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
![ion exchange icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/IonExchange_Icon.png)
Ion Exchange
Nitrate and nitrite
more aboutthis contaminant
Nitrate and nitrite enter water from fertilizer runoff, septic tanks and urban runoff. These contaminants can cause oxygen deprivation for infants and increase the risk of cancer. Nitrite is significantly more toxic than nitrate. Click here to read more about nitrate.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
ppm = parts per million
Health Risks
The health guideline of 0.14 parts per million, or ppm, for nitrate and nitrite is based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. This guideline represents a one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.Pollution Sources
![agriculture icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-agriculture.png)
Agriculture
![urban area icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-runoff-sprawl.png)
Runoff & Sprawl
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
![ion exchange icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/IonExchange_Icon.png)
Ion Exchange
Strontium
more aboutthis contaminant
Strontium is a metal that accumulates in the bones. Radioactive strontium-90 can cause bone cancer and leukemia, and any form of strontium at high doses can harm bone health.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 1,500 ppb for strontium was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against harm to bones.
Pollution Sources
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
![ion exchange icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/IonExchange_Icon.png)
Ion Exchange
Toluene
more aboutthis contaminant
Toluene is a volatile solvent that harms the nervous and immune systems, damages the liver and may increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
ppb = parts per billion
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 150 ppb for toluene was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against harm to internal organs.
Pollution Sources
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
Filtering Options
![carbon filter icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Carbon-Icon.png)
Activated Carbon
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
Uranium
more aboutthis contaminant
Uranium is a known human carcinogen. The federal legal limit for uranium is set at 30 micrograms per liter (corresponding to parts per billion), but utilities can also report uranium in picocuries per liter (pCi/L), which is a measure of radioactivity in water. EWG translated all uranium results to pCi/L using a conversion factor developed by the EPA. With this conversion approach, the limit of 30 ppb corresponds to 20 pCi/L. Drinking water with this much uranium would cause more than 4.6 cancer cases in a population of 100,000. California set a public health goal for uranium of 0.43 pCi/L.
How your levels compare
EWG Health Guideline
This Utility
Legal Limit
National Average
State Average
pCi/L = picocuries per liter
Health Risks
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.43 pCi/L for uranium was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. Three most common uranium isotopes are U-234, U-235 and U-238. All isotopes of uranium are radioactive, and the total radioactivity depends on the ratio of isotopes. This health guideline protects against cancer.
Pollution Sources
![industry icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-industry.png)
Industry
![naturally occuring icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/pollution-source-naturally-occuring.png)
Naturally Occurring
Filtering Options
![reverse osmosis icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/Osmosis-Icon.png)
Reverse Osmosis
![ion exchange icon](https://static.ewg.org/reports/2017/tap-water/img/IonExchange_Icon.png)
Ion Exchange
Includes chemicals detected in 2017-2019 for which annual utility averages were lower than an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; chemicals detected under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3) program in 2013 to 2015 (and subsequent testing when available), for which annual utility averages were lower than an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.
Other Contaminants Tested
✕Waukesha Water Utility compliance with legally mandated federal standards:
- From April 2019 to March 2021, Waukesha Water Utility complied with health-based drinking water standards.
- 12 QUARTERSin violation of any federal drinking water standard from April 2019 to March 2021
- Over the last 3 years this water utility has spent 6 QUARTERSin significant violation of federal drinking water standards
Information in this section on Waukesha Water Utility comes from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online database (ECHO).
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS UTILITYWater Filters That Can Reduce Contaminant Levels
Contaminant | Activated Carbon | Reverse Osmosis | Ion Exchange |
CONTAMINANTS ABOVE HEALTH GUIDELINES | |||
Arsenic | ✔ | ✔ | |
Bromodichloromethane | ✔ | ✔ | |
Chloroform | ✔ | ✔ | |
Dibromoacetic acid | ✔ | ✔ | |
Dibromochloromethane | ✔ | ✔ | |
Dichloroacetic acid | ✔ | ✔ | |
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | ✔ | ✔ | |
Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | ✔ | ✔ | |
Radium, combined (-226 & -228) | ✔ | ✔ | |
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | ✔ | ✔ | |
Trichloroacetic acid | ✔ | ✔ | |
OTHER CONTAMINANTS DETECTED | |||
Aluminum | ✔ | ||
Antimony | ✔ | ||
Barium | ✔ | ✔ | |
Bromoform | ✔ | ✔ | |
Cadmium | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Chlorate | |||
Cyanide | ✔ | ✔ | |
Fluoride | ✔ | ||
Manganese | ✔ | ||
Molybdenum | ✔ | ✔ | |
Monobromoacetic acid | ✔ | ✔ | |
Nitrate | ✔ | ✔ | |
Nitrate & nitrite | ✔ | ✔ | |
Strontium | ✔ | ✔ | |
Toluene | ✔ | ✔ | |
Uranium, combined (pCi/L) | ✔ | ✔ |
Take Action
Contact Your Local Official
One of the best ways to push for cleaner water is to hold accountable the elected officials who have a say in water quality – from city hall and the state legislature to Congress all the way to the Oval Office – by asking questions and demanding answers.
LEARN MOREFilter Out Contaminants
Check out our recommendations for filters to protect your water against the detected contaminants.
EWG’S WATER FILTER GUIDE