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WaterSafeCheck

Madison, WI Tap Water Quality

Water safety reports for all 35 ZIP codes in Madison, Wisconsin

Average Score

60/100

Health Violations

105

ZIP Codes

35

High Lead Risk

7

of 35 ZIP codes

C

About Tap Water in Madison, WI

Water quality in Madison, WI is currently rated with a moderate C grade (average score: 60/100 across 35 ZIP codes). This rating indicates that while the water provided by Madison Water Utility is treated and regulated, there have been notable compliance issues or contaminant detections recently. Residents should stay informed about the specific challenges affecting their local supply.

The accumulation of 105 health-based violations over the past 5 years highlights systemic challenges within Madison's water infrastructure. When violations occur, it means that drinking water tests revealed contaminant levels exceeding safe limits, triggering mandatory corrective actions by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The city relies on ground water, which may require significant treatment upgrades to address these recurring issues.

Additionally, lead exposure risk remains a critical issue for certain neighborhoods. EPA data indicates that 7 out of 35 ZIP codes in Madison are rated as High or Very High risk for lead. This risk is often driven by aging homes with pre-1986 plumbing containing lead solder or service lines. Families in these areas should test their tap water and consider NSF/ANSI 53 certified filters.

⚠ Lead Risk Alert: Some ZIP codes in Madison are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk based on EPA data. Search your specific ZIP code for a detailed lead level report.

Health-Based Contaminant Violations in Madison

EPA records indicate that the following contaminants have exceeded Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in Madison water systems over the past 5 years.

Stage 2 DBP RuleGross Beta

Note: The presence of a past violation does not necessarily mean current water is unsafe. Utilities are required to take corrective action. Review your Consumer Confidence Report for the latest status.

Water Quality by ZIP Code — Madison, WI

Click any ZIP code for the full water quality report

C
53705

Madison, WI

Score: 64/1003 violations
C
53714

Madison, WI

Score: 64/1003 violations
C
53715

Madison, WI

Score: 64/1003 violations
C
53717

Madison, WI

Score: 64/1003 violations
C
53719

Madison, WI

Score: 64/1003 violations
C
53701

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53702

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53703

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53704

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53706

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53707

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53708

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53711

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53713

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53716

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53718

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53725

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53726

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53744

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53774

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53777

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53778

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53779

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53782

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53783

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53784

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53785

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53786

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53788

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53789

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53790

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53791

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53792

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53793

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations
C
53794

Madison, WI

Score: 59/1003 violations

Frequently Asked Questions — Madison Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in Madison, WI?+
Tap water in Madison has a grade of C, indicating compliance concerns in recent years. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking.
What is the water quality score for Madison?+
The average water quality score across 35 ZIP codes in Madison, WI is 60/100. Scores are derived from EPA violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Individual ZIP codes may vary — search your specific ZIP above for a personalized report.
Does Madison have lead in its tap water?+
7 out of 35 ZIP codes in Madison are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk. Older homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures. Residents should run their tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter.
How do I get the water quality report for Madison?+
Each ZIP code in Madison has a full water quality report on this site — click any ZIP code below. You can also get the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your local water utility. The CCR is required to be published every year by July 1 and contains actual contaminant measurements and violation history.
Where does Madison's tap water come from?+
Tap water in Madison, WI primarily comes from ground water. Groundwater systems pump water from underground aquifers, which is naturally filtered through soil and rock but can still contain naturally occurring contaminants.

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