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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 53268 Water Quality Report

Milwaukee, WI · Milwaukee County County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

2

Total Violations

41

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

1

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 53268

Tap water in ZIP code 53268 (Milwaukee, WI) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 80/100). Served by Milwaukee Waterworks, the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

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 53268

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

Lead Level: 5.3 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 53268 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 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
Unknown
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 53268: 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

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

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 53268 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Milwaukee Waterworks
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 53268 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 53268?+
Yes — tap water in 53268 (Milwaukee, WI) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 53268 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 53268 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 53268?+
Tap water in ZIP code 53268 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 53268?+
ZIP code 53268 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 53268 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 53268?+
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 53268?+
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 53268, with detected contaminants including Stage 2 DBP Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 53268 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 53268, 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 53268 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 →