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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 53794 Water Quality Report

Madison, WI · Dane County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

3

Total Violations

11

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

2

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 4 unresolved violations. Contact Madison Water Utility for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 53794

Tap water in ZIP code 53794 (Madison, WI) receives a C grade (score: 59/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Madison Water Utility is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Madison Water Utility

EPA ID: WI1130224

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

272,000 residents

County

Dane County County, Wisconsin

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Lead Levels in ZIP 53794

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

Lead Level: 1.8 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 53794 is 1.8 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 Level (90th percentile)
1.80 ppb (0.0018 mg/L)
Copper Level (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

1.6 mg/L
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

1.8 ppb
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

150 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

Madison Water Utility has recorded 3 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. 4 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)
11
Health-Based Violations
3
Unresolved Violations
4
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Madison Water Utility 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 53794: Stage 2 DBP Rule, Gross Beta. 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 RuleGross Beta

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) (3.1 ppb); Chloride (210 ppm); Manganese (45 ppb); Copper (150 ppm)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Madison 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
Groundwater wells (deep sandstone aquifer)
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 53794 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 53794 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 53794?+
Tap water in 53794 (Madison, 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 53794 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 53794 is 1.8 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 53794?+
Tap water in ZIP code 53794 is provided by Madison Water Utility (EPA ID: WI1130224). This system serves approximately 272,000 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 53794?+
ZIP code 53794 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 53794 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 4 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Madison Water Utility for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 53794?+
Your water utility — Madison 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 "Madison Water Utility Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 53794?+
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 53794, with detected contaminants including Stage 2 DBP Rule and Gross Beta, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 53794 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 53794 shows a lead level of 1.8 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 53794 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 Madison 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 →