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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 53547 Water Quality Report

Janesville, WI · Rock County County

Safety Score
D

Water Safety Grade

Poor — Multiple violations recorded

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

5

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

1

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 53547

Tap water in ZIP code 53547 (Janesville, WI) has received a D grade (score: 49/100) — below average for the nation. Janesville Water Utility has recorded notable violations with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. Residents may want to consider additional filtration and review their annual Consumer Confidence Report.

Water System

Janesville Water Utility

EPA ID: WI1540127

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

64,415 residents

County

Rock County County, Wisconsin

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Lead Levels in ZIP 53547

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

Lead Level: 10.0 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 53547 is 10.0 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)
10.00 ppb (0.01 mg/L)
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

Janesville Water Utility has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. A single health violation means the water exceeded an EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) at some point. Most water systems resolve these quickly, but residents should review the Consumer Confidence Report for details. 1 violation is 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)
5
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
1
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Janesville Water Utility 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 53547: 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

⚖ Enforcement Actions

5 enforcement actions have been issued against Janesville Water Utility — 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
CCR Source Classification
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 53547 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact Janesville Water Utility to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 53547 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 53547?+
Tap water in 53547 has a below-average water quality grade of D. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 53547 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 53547 is 10.0 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 53547?+
Tap water in ZIP code 53547 is provided by Janesville Water Utility (EPA ID: WI1540127). This system serves approximately 64,415 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 53547?+
ZIP code 53547 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 53547 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 1 unresolved violation on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Janesville Water Utility for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 53547?+
Your water utility — Janesville Water Utility — 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 "Janesville Water Utility Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 53547?+
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 53547, with detected contaminants including Stage 2 DBP Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 53547 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 10.0 ppb in 53547, 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 53547 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 Janesville Water Utility. 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 →