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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 53209 Water Quality Report

Milwaukee, WI · Milwaukee County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

2

Total Violations

41

Lead Risk

Very High

Contaminants

1

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 53209

Tap water in ZIP code 53209 (Milwaukee, WI) receives a C grade (score: 65/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Milwaukee Waterworks is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Milwaukee Waterworks

EPA ID: WI2410100

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

626,000 residents

County

Milwaukee County County, Wisconsin

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Lead Levels in ZIP 53209

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

Lead Level: 5.3 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 53209 is 5.3 ppb, below the EPA action level of 15 ppb but above what many health experts consider ideal. The CDC and EPA both affirm there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter, and request lead testing of their home's tap water.

Lead exposure risk in 53209 is rated Very High. EPA models estimate a 74% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This is among the highest risk categories nationally, often associated with heavily aging infrastructure and pre-1986 construction. Do not give unfiltered tap water to children under 6 or pregnant women. Consider getting your home's plumbing tested for lead solder and fixtures.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
5.30 ppb (0.0053 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

6.2 ppb
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

50 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Very High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

74%
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

Milwaukee Waterworks has recorded 2 health-based violations in the past 5 years. Multiple health violations suggest recurring compliance challenges. Residents should request a copy of the annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand what contaminants were involved and what corrective actions were taken. 10 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)
41
Health-Based Violations
2
Unresolved Violations
10
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Milwaukee Waterworks has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 53209: Stage 2 DBP Rule. 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 Rule
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Lake Michigan
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$7
Energy Burden

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

4.53%

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

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 53209 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 53209 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 53209?+
Tap water in 53209 (Milwaukee, 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 53209 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 53209 is 5.3 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 53209?+
Tap water in ZIP code 53209 is provided by Milwaukee Waterworks (EPA ID: WI2410100). This system serves approximately 626,000 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 53209?+
ZIP code 53209 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 53209 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 10 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Milwaukee Waterworks for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 53209?+
Your water utility — Milwaukee 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 "Milwaukee Waterworks Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 53209?+
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 53209, with detected contaminants including Stage 2 DBP Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 53209 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 5.3 ppb in 53209, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 53209 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 Milwaukee 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 →