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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 53168 Water Quality Report

Salem, WI · Kenosha County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

7

Total Violations

21

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

2

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 5 unresolved violations. Contact Paddock Lake Waterworks for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 53168

Tap water in ZIP code 53168 (Salem, WI) receives a C grade (score: 63/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Paddock Lake Waterworks is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Paddock Lake Waterworks

EPA ID: WI2300146

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

945 residents

County

Kenosha County County, Wisconsin

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Lead Levels in ZIP 53168

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 3.8 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 53168 is 3.8 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Lead exposure risk in 53168 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 51% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
3.80 ppb (0.0038 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

51%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Paddock Lake Waterworks has recorded 7 health-based violations in the past 5 years — significantly above the national average. This volume of violations indicates serious and recurring compliance issues. Independent water testing and in-home filtration are strongly recommended. 5 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
21
Health-Based Violations
7
Unresolved Violations
5
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Paddock Lake Waterworks has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 2 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 53168: Stage 2 DBP Rule, Contaminant 0700. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Stage 2 DBP RuleContaminant 0700

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Paddock Lake Waterworks — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$16
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

1.96%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 53168 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 53168 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 53168?+
Tap water in 53168 (Salem, WI) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 53168 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 53168 is 3.8 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 53168?+
Tap water in ZIP code 53168 is provided by Paddock Lake Waterworks (EPA ID: WI2300146). This system serves approximately 945 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 53168?+
ZIP code 53168 is served by ground water. Groundwater systems draw from underground aquifers. While naturally filtered, groundwater can still contain naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, radium, or nitrates at elevated levels in some regions.
Does 53168 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 5 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Paddock Lake Waterworks for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 53168?+
Your water utility — Paddock Lake Waterworks — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Paddock Lake Waterworks Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 53168?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 53168, with detected contaminants including Stage 2 DBP Rule and Contaminant 0700, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 53168 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 53168 shows a lead level of 3.8 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 53168 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Paddock Lake Waterworks. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →