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Is Milwaukee Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, July 23, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Milwaukee?

Yes, Milwaukee's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Milwaukee has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Milwaukee's local Twitter account.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Milwaukee's water utility, Milwaukee Waterworks, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Milwaukee was resolved on March 31, 2015. This assessment is based on the Milwaukee Waterworks water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Milwaukee Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Milwaukee tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Milwaukee's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Milwaukee Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Milwaukee Waterworks for Milwaukee in Wisconsin. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

From Jan. 1, 2015 to March 31, 2015, Milwaukee had 2 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violations with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant codes: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Is there Lead in Milwaukee Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Milwaukee water system, Milwaukee Waterworks, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0062 mg/L of lead in Milwaukee water. This is 41.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Milwaukee contained more lead.

While Milwaukee water testing may have found 0.0062 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Milwaukee Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - General Mitchell International Airport - near Milwaukee with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Milwaukee has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

Milwaukee SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
01/01/2015 - 03/31/2015 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) TTHM (2950) Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220)
01/01/2015 - 03/31/2015 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (2456) Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220)

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Milwaukee Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT MILWAUKEE CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Milwaukee water provider, Milwaukee Waterworks, please use the information below.
By Mail: 841 N BROADWAY ROOM 406
MILWAUKEE, WI, 53202
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR MILWAUKEE WATERWORKS
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Milwaukee Waterworks account to pay their Milwaukee water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Milwaukee Waterworks bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Milwaukee water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Milwaukee water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP MILWAUKEE WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Milwaukee means you will often need to put the water in your name with Milwaukee Waterworks. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Milwaukee means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Milwaukee Waterworks. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

Is Milwaukee Tap Water Safe to Drink? Tap water & safety quality

The estimated price of bottled water

$2 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Milwaukee tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 21% Low
  • Water Pollution 43% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 79% High
  • Water Quality 57% Moderate

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Milwaukee, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Milwaukee Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Milwaukee's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

2020 Consumer Confidence Report

2020 Reporte de Confianza del Consumidor

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) require drinking water utilities to provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report to help consumers understand where their drinking water comes from, so they can make informed decisions about their health and protection of the environment. In this report, you will find:

  • Information about the source of your drinking water
  • The treatment process that ensures the highest quality water
  • Results of 2020 water quality testing and compliance with water quality regulations and standards
  • 2020 Lead and Copper Rule results
  • Additional educational information and public health announcements

Visit Milwaukee.gov/water for more information.

Table of Contents

Page

MWW customers

1

Source water and treatment

2

Definitions

3

Water quality data

4-6

Lead and drinking water

7

Educational information

8

Milwaukee Water Works

The City of Milwaukee-owned public utility provides safe drinking water to approximately 867,000 people in Milwaukee and across 16 communities:

Wholesale Customers: Brown Deer, Butler, Greendale, Menomonee Falls,

Mequon, Milwaukee County Grounds, New Berlin, Shorewood, Thiensville,

Wauwatosa, and West Allis.

Retail Customers: Greenfield, Hales Corners, a portion of Franklin,

Milwaukee, St. Francis, and West Milwaukee.

Participate in decisions regarding your water

Attend City of Milwaukee Common Council Public Works Committee meetings, which occur regularly each month in Milwaukee City Hall, Room 301B, 200 East Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. You may also attend City of Milwaukee Common Council meetings, which meet in the Milwaukee City Hall, 3rd Floor Common Council Chambers, 200 East Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Common Council meeting dates vary. Please contact the City Clerk for the schedule at (414)286-2221, or visit Milwaukee.gov/cityclerk/ PublicRecords/Agendas.htm.

Important Information

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This report contains important

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information about your drinking water.

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Translate it, or speak with someone who

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understands it.

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This material is available in alternative formats for individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact the City of Milwaukee ADA Coordinator via phone at (414) 286-3475 or email ADACoordinator@milwaukee.gov. Please provide a 72-hour advance notice for large print and seven days for Braille documents.

Milwaukee’s Source Water Comes from Lake Michigan

Milwaukee’s drinking water comes from Lake Michigan, a surface water source. The most recent DNR Source Water Assessment for Milwaukee is available online under “Resources” at Milwaukee.gov/water/WaterQuality. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants, or substances, that may be present in source water include:

  • Microbial contaminants, such as viruses, protozoa, and bacteria, may come from leaky sewer pipes, septic

septic systems.

  • Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s safe drinking water hotline (800-426-4791) or at:

systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

  • Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
  • Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
  • Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and

epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/national-primary- drinking-water-regulations

In order to ensure that tap water is safe, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Milwaukee Water Works maintains a nationally recognized water monitoring program to assure all treated water meets or exceeds local, state, and federal regulations. In 2020, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) awarded the MWW Water Quality Section with the Utility Achievement

Award for Ongoing Excellence in Water Quality through Laboratory Accreditation.

  1. Ozone disinfection: Ozone gas is bubbled through the incoming lake water. Ozone destroys disease- causing microorganisms including Giardia and Cryptosporidium, controls taste and odor, and reduces the formation of chlorinated disinfection byproducts.
  2. Coagulation and Flocculation: Aluminum sulfate is added to the water to neutralize the charge on microscopic particles. The water is then gently mixed to encourage suspended particles to stick together to form “floc.”
  1. Sedimentation: Sedimentation is the process in which floc settles out and is removed from the water.
  2. Biologically Active Filtration: The water is slowly filtered through 24” of anthracite coal and 12” of crushed sand to remove very small particles.
  3. Chlorine Disinfection: After filtration, chlorine is added as a secondary disinfectant to provide extra protection from potentially harmful microorganisms.
  4. Fluoridation: Fluoride, when administered at low levels, is proven to help prevent tooth decay.
  1. Clearwell Storage: Treated water is stored in deep underground tanks and pumped as needed through the distribution system.
  2. Corrosion Control: A phosphorus compound is added to help control corrosion of pipes. This helps prevent lead and copper from leaching from plumbing into water.
  3. Chloramine Protection: Ammonia changes the chlorine to chloramine, a disinfectant that maintains bacteriological protection in the distribution system.

2

Reading the Water Quality Tables

The following tables show regulated and unregulated contaminants, or substances, detected in Milwaukee’s drinking water in 2020. It also includes all substances tested for in the mandatory EPA monitoring program, most recently the Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR-4). All contaminants detected continue to meet or exceed local, state, and federal drinking water standards for health and safety. The tables contain the name of each substance, the highest level allowed by regulation (maximum contaminant level, MCL), the ideal goals for public health (MCLG), the amount detected, and the usual sources of such contamination. The presence of a substance in drinking water does not necessarily indicate the water poses a health risk. Certain quantities of some substances are essential for good health, but excessive quantities can be hazardous.

Definitions

Action Level (AL)

The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirement that a

water system must follow. Action levels are reported at the 90th percentile for homes at greatest risk.

 

 

 

 

An estimate of acceptable drinking water levels for a chemical substance based on health effects

Health Advisory (HA)

information; a health advisory is not a legally enforceable federal standard, but serves as technical

 

guidance to assist federal, state, and local officials.

 

 

Maximum contaminant level

The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as

(MCL)

feasible using the best available treatment technology.

 

 

Maximum contaminant level

The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health.

goal (MCLG)

MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

 

 

Maximum residual disinfectant

The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a

level (MRDL)

disinfectant is necessary for the control of microbial contaminants.

 

 

Maximum residual disinfectant

The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health.

level goal (MRDLG)

MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contamination.

 

 

Treatment technique (TT)

A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

 

 

 

Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium

Turbidity

for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms

may include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea,

 

 

and associated headaches.

 

 

Unit abbreviations

<

“less than” or not detected

 

 

 

-log[H+]

pH measurements are expressed as the negative base 10 logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration

 

 

 

NA

not applicable

 

 

 

NR

not regulated

 

 

 

NTU

nephelometric turbidity unit (a unit to measure turbidity)

 

 

 

ppb

parts per billion (microgram per liter)

 

 

 

ppm

parts per million (milligram per liter)

 

 

 

ppq

parts per quadrillion (picograms per liter)

 

 

 

ppt

parts per trillion (nanogram per liter)

 

 

 

pCi/L

picocuries per liter: a measure of radioactivity

 

 

 

RAA

running annual average: the average of four quarterly samples collected in one year

 

 

 

3

Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Standards

The EPA has National Primary Drinking Water Regulations that set water quality standards for contaminants, or substances, in public drinking water. These standards are referred to as maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), which are established to protect public health, and are legally enforceable above the allowed MCL. The EPA has

also established National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations that set non-mandatory standards for potential water-quality substances. These secondary substances are not currently considered a risk to human health, but instead, act as guidelines for drinking water aesthetics such as taste, odor, and color.

Monitoring for Cryptosporidium and Other Contaminants

Milwaukee Water Works maintains an extensive, nationally recognized water quality monitoring program. The utility tests for approximately 500 substances to ensure safe water, increase understanding of how substances affect public health, and meet future regulations. Below are unregulated substances that were detected in treated water in 2020. A full list of undetected substances can be found under “Resources” at Milwaukee.gov/water/WaterQuality. Cryptosporidium was not detected in any

of the source water or finished drinking water samples collected in 2020. Additionally, no Giardia, Reovirus, or Enterovirus

were detected in MWW drinking water in 2020.

 

Ideal

Highest

 

 

 

 

 

Primary Substances

Level

 

 

 

Meets

 

Goal

Average

Range

Typical Source of Substance

Detected

Allowed

Standard

 

(MCLG)

(MCL)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antimony (ppb)

6

6

0.2

0.2

Yes

Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire

retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atrazine (ppb)

3

3

0.03

< 0.01 - 0.08

Yes

Herbicide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barium (ppm)

2

2

0.019

0.019

Yes

Drilling waste discharge; metal refineries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bromate (ppb)

0

10 RAA

4.0

< 1.5 - 5.0

Yes

By-product of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chlorine, Total (ppm)

4

4 (MRDL)

1.53

1.01

- 1.86

Yes

Water additive used to control microbes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chlorite (ppm)

0.8

1

0.003

0.0007 - 0.005

Yes

By-product of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chromium, Total (ppb)

100

100

0.9

0.8

- 0.9

Yes

Natural deposits and manufacturing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erosion of natural deposits; water additive

Fluoride (ppm)

4.0

4.0

0.66

0.27

- 0.79

Yes

which promotes strong teeth; discharge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

from fertilizer and aluminum factories

Haloacetic Acids [HAA5] (ppb)

NA

60

2.1

1.0

- 3.3

Yes

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heterotrophic plate count

NA

TT

Met

Met standard

Yes

Naturally present in the environment;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Runoff from fertilizer use; leeching from

Nitrate, as N (ppm)

10

10

0.35

0.32

- 0.37

Yes

septic tanks sewage; erosion of natural

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radionuclides

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross alpha (pCi/L)

0

15

0.7

0.5

- 0.7

Yes

Erosion of natural deposits

[excluding Ra and U]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross alpha (pCi/L)

0

15

0.9

0.7

- 0.9

Yes

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross beta (pCi/L)

0

50

1.6

-1.7 - 1.6

Yes

Decay of natural and manmade deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radium (pCi/L)

0

5

0.9

0.7

- 0.9

Yes

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uranium (ppb)

0

30

0.3

0.3

Yes

Erosion of natural deposits

Total Trihalomethanes [TTHM]

NA

80

8.5

1.5 - 12.3

Yes

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Turbidity (NTU)

NA

< 0.300

0.01

0.16

1-day

Yes

Soil runoff

95% of time

maximum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

Secondary and other substances detected

Secondary Substances Detected

 

Highest Level

 

Average

 

 

Range

Meets

Typical Source of Substance

 

Allowed

 

 

 

 

Standard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum (ppm)

 

0.05-0.20

 

 

 

0.013

 

0.005 - 0.021

Yes

Water treatment additive; natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chloride (ppm)

 

250

 

 

 

15.5

 

14.3 - 21.1

Yes

Natural deposits and road salts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Odor

 

3

 

 

 

1

 

1

Yes

Naturally present in the environment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pH (-log [H+])

 

6.5 - 8.5

 

 

 

7.63

 

7.40 - 7.89

Yes

Naturally present in the environment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sulfate (ppm)

 

250

 

 

 

27.9

 

25.5 - 32.5

Yes

Natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)

 

500

 

 

 

177

 

161 - 201

Yes

Aggregate of dissolved minerals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Substances Detected

 

Range of Results

 

Typical Source of Substance

Acesulfame-K (ppb)

 

 

0.04

- 0.05

 

 

Artificial sweetener

 

Ammonia, as N (ppm)

 

 

0.14

- 0.47

 

 

Disinfection with chloramines; wastes; fertilizers and natural processes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boron (ppb)

 

 

 

22

 

 

Naturally occurring; borax mining and refining; boric acid manufacturing

Bromide (ppb)

 

 

 

14

- 29

 

 

Naturally occurring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bromochloroacetonitrile (ppb)

 

 

< 0.3 - 1.1

 

 

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Calcium (ppm)

 

 

 

34

 

 

Naturally occurring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chlorate (ppm)

 

 

 

0.32

 

 

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Chloropicrin (ppb)

 

 

< 0.3 - 1.0

 

 

Fungicide, herbicide, insecticide and nematicide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chromium, hexavalent (ppb)

 

 

0.14

- 0.20

 

 

Natural deposits and manufacturing

Cotinine (ppt)

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

Metabolic byproduct of tobacco smoking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deethylatrazine

 

 

< 0.01 - 0.02

 

 

Herbicide

 

 

Dibromoacetonitrile (ppb)

 

 

 

0.2

- 0.6

 

 

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lithium (ppb)

 

 

 

2.1

 

 

Naturally occurring

 

Magnesium (ppm)

 

 

 

12

 

 

Naturally occurring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nickel (ppb)

 

 

 

0.5

- 0.6

 

 

Natural deposits and manufacturing

N-Nitrosodiethylamine [NDEA] (ppt)

 

< 2.0 - 4.1

 

 

Disinfection with chloramines; cured meats; pesticides

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N-Nitrosodi-N-butylamine [NDBA] (ppt)

 

< 2.0 - 2.2

 

 

Disinfection with chloramines; cured meats; pesticides

Perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS] (ppt)

 

< 2.0 - 2.3

 

 

Waterproofing; textile manufacturing; used in fire fighting foams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o-Phosphate as PO4 (ppm)

 

 

0.59

- 3.27

 

 

Byproduct of drinking water treatment

Phosphorus as P (ppm)

 

 

0.53

- 0.81

 

 

Naturally occurring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potassium (ppm)

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

Naturally occurring

 

Rubidium (ppb)

 

 

 

1.1

 

 

Naturally occurring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silica (ppm)

 

 

 

2.0

- 2.6

 

 

Naturally occurring

 

Sodium (ppm)

 

 

 

9.6

- 9.7

 

 

Natural deposits and road salt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strontium (ppb)

 

 

 

110

 

 

Natural deposits

 

Sucralose (ppt)

 

 

 

< 25 - 33

 

 

Artificial sweetener

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Organic Carbon (ppm)

 

 

1.25

- 1.74

 

 

Naturally present in the environment

Total Solids (ppm)

 

 

140

- 160

 

 

Measure of solid materials in water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,1,1-Trichloropropanone (ppb)

 

 

 

0.3

- 0.9

 

 

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Tris(chloropropyl) phosphate (ppb)

 

 

 

0.01

 

 

Flame retardant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

Fourth Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR-4)(2018)

The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) was established by the EPA as part of the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996. Every five years, in compliance with the EPA, Milwaukee Water Works collects data on potential contaminants that are not yet regulated but are known, or anticipated, to occur in public water systems. These data help the EPA determine if future regulations are needed for contaminants of concern.

UCMR-4 Assessment Monitoring (2018)

Average

Highest

Typical source of substance

Detected

 

 

 

alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane (ppt)

< 0.0100

< 0.0100

Pesticide

1-Butanol (ppb)

< 2.00

< 2.00

Solvent, food additive

Butylated hydroxyanisole (ppt)

< 0.300

< 0.300

Food additive (antioxidant)

Chlorpyrifos (ppt)

< 0.0300

< 0.0300

Organophosphate, insecticide, acaricide, miticide

Dimethipin (ppt)

< 0.200

< 0.200

Herbicide and plant growth regulator

Ethoprop (ppt)

< 0.030

< 0.030

Insecticide

Germanium (ppt)

< 0.300

< 0.300

Naturally occurring element

Manganese (ppt)

0.423

0.520

Naturally occurring element

2-Methoxyethanol (ppt)

< 0.400

< 0.400

Synthetic cosmetics, perfumes, fragrances, hair preparations,

skin lotions

 

 

 

o-Toluidine (ppq)

< 7.00

< 7.00

Dyes, rubber, pharmaceuticals, pesticide

Oxyfluorfen (ppt)

< 0.500

< 0.500

Herbicide

Permethrin cis & trans (ppt)

< 0.040

< 0.040

Insecticide

Profenofos (ppt)

< 0.300

< 0.300

Insecticide and acaricide

2-Propen-1-ol (ppt)

< 0.500

< 0.500

Flavorings, perfumes

Quinoline (ppt)

< 0.020

< 0.020

Anti-malarial pharmaceutical, flavoring agent

Tebuconazole (ppt)

< 0.200

< 0.200

Fungicide

Tribufos (ppt)

< 0.070

< 0.070

Insecticide, cotton defoliant

 

 

 

 

UCMR-4 Assessment Monitoring of

Average

Highest

Typical source of substance

Cyanotoxins (2018)

Detected

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anatoxin-a (ppt)

< 30

< 30

Source water

 

 

 

 

Cylindrospermopsin (ppt)

< 90

< 90

Source water

 

 

 

 

Total Microcystins & Nodularins (ppb)

< 0.300

< 0.300

Source water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UCMR-4 Assessment Monitoring of

Average

Highest

Typical source of substance

Surface Water Indicators (2018)

Detected

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bromide (ppb)

30.3

35.3

Source water

 

 

 

 

Total Organic Carbon [TOC] (ppm)

1.840

2.040

Source water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UCMR-4 Assessment Monitoring of

Average

Highest

Typical source of substance

Distribution Water (2018)

Detected

 

 

Bromochloroacetic acid [BCAA] (ppb)

0.895

1.180

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Bromodichloroacetic acid [BDCAA] (ppb)

0.750

1.090

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

Chlorodibromoacetic acid [CDBAA] (ppb)

0.413

0.524

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Dibromoacetic acid [DBAA] (ppb)

0.379

0.504

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

Dichloroacetic acid [DCAA] (ppb)

1.473

2.020

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Monobromoacetic acid [MBAA] (ppb)

< 0.300

< 0.300

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

Monochloroacetic acid [MCAA] (ppb)

< 2.00

< 2.00

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

Tribromoacetic acid [TBAA] (ppb)

< 2.00

< 2.00

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

Trichloroacetic acid [TCAA] (ppb)

0.757

1.260

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

HAA5 Total (ppb)

2.494

3.398

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

HAA6 Br Total (ppb)

2.284

3.075

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

HAA9 Total (ppb)

4.483

5.951

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

 

 

 

 

6

Lead and Copper Rule (2020)

In 2020, in compliance with the US EPA and Wisconsin DNR, Milwaukee Water Works completed Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) testing. In order to remain in compliance with EPA regulations, 90th percentile levels must be below 15 ppb for lead and 1300 ppb for copper.

Lead and Copper (2020)

Action Level

90th percentile

Highest

Sites Exceeding

Detected

Action Level

 

 

 

Copper (ppb)

1300

50.0

250

0

Lead (ppb)

15.0

6.2

130

2

Lead reduction

Since 1996, the Milwaukee Water Works has added ortho- phosphate to its finished water to reduce lead and copper from dissolving into the water. This is called corrosion con- trol treatment (CCT). Lead in drinking water has been dras- tically reduced by as much as 60% since the implementa- tion of CCT (see right figure). In 2002, the DNR considered the MWW CCT to be optimized, meaning the water quality characteristics were ideal for reducing lead in water. In 2019, the MWW began a three-year study to evaluate its CCT program and determine if improvements could be made. A full report will be available in 2022.

Lead and Copper Public Safety

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Milwaukee Water Works is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for three minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Additional information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the EPA at EPA.gov/safewater/lead.

Guidelines regarding lead

  • Occupants of buildings where lead service lines are present should adequately flush water lines after prolonged periods of stagnation to reduce potential lead hazards, but the use of NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certified lead filters is the most thorough means of lead-water safety.
  • At-risk populations of women and children living in buildings where lead service lines are present, including women who are pregnant, may become pregnant (woman ages 15-45) or are breastfeeding, and children up to the age of 6, should drink and cook only with water that has been filtered with an NSF/ANSI Standard 53 lead certified filter.
  • If using water directly from the faucet (without a filter), only cold water that has been well-flushed for a minimum of three minutes should be used. Not running your water for the recommended length of time may increase your risk of lead exposure.
  • To learn more, visit MWW Lead and Water at Milwaukee.gov/water/WaterQuality/LeadAndWater.

Other Compliance

Deficiency description: Milwaukee Water Works was notified of the following deficiency on August 6, 2019, “System is not implementing a comprehensive Cross-Connection Control Program,” with a scheduled correction date of March 31, 2020.

Actions taken: The Milwaukee Water Works developed a Cross-Connection Control Plan to meet the March 31, 2020 deadline. A cross-connection is any actual or potential physical connection between a drinking water system and a source or system of non-drinkable water or substances. An example is a hose connected to a laundry tub faucet that is submerged in a sink below filled with soapy water. This plan is the result of a two-year redesign of the utility's Cross-Connection Control Program. The pro- gram will bring MWW into compliance with NR 810.15 by December 31, 2021 per WDNR order.

7

Other Educational Information

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic protozoan that, when ingested, can result in diarrhea, fever, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The Milwaukee Water Works and Milwaukee Health Department consider Cryptosporidium detection a priority, and since 1993, have continued to test Lake Michigan source water and treated water for Cryptosporidium.

Cryptosporidium is found in many surface water sources (lakes, rivers, streams) and comes from human and animal wastes in the watershed. The risk of Cryptosporidium infection from drinking water has been reduced to extremely

low levels by an effective treatment combination (see page 2), which places Milwaukee Water Works in the Bin 1 classification (lowest risk) for Cryptosporidium treatment requirements set by the DNR.

The Milwaukee Water Works provides a brochure based on EPA and CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium. Obtain a copy from our Customer Service Center, (414) 286-2830, or at Milwaukee.gov/water/WaterQuality and scroll down to Resource Links, choose “Information for persons with weakened immune systems.”

Information for Those with Compromised Immune Systems and/or Vulnerable Populations

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available at CDC.gov/parasites/crypto/audience-immune-compromised.html and at CDC.gov/parasites and from the EPA’s safe drinking water hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Notice to Parents of Infants Six Months of Age or Younger

According to the CDC, the proper amount of fluoride, from infancy and at all ages throughout life, helps prevent and control tooth decay (cavities). Therefore, the Milwaukee Water Works, following public health recommendations, maintains a level of fluoride in our drinking water that is both safe and effective. The following is an advisory regarding fluoride and young infants:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, for optimal short– and long-term health advantages. For more information, visit: pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827.

As of August 31, 2012, Milwaukee water is fluoridated at a

level not to exceed 0.7 mg/L. According to the CDC, for infants up to six months of age, if tap water is fluoridated or has substantial natural fluoride (0.7 mg/L or higher) and is being used to dilute infant formula, a parent may consider using a low-fluoride alternative water source. Bottled water known to be low in fluoride is labeled as purified, deionized, demineralized, distilled, or prepared by reverse osmosis. Ready-to-feed (no-mix) infant formula typically has little fluoride and may be preferable at least some of the time. If breastfeeding is not possible, parents should consult a pediatrician about an appropriate infant formula option. Parents should be aware that there may be an increased chance of mild dental fluorosis if the child is exclusively consuming infant formula reconstituted with fluoridated water. Dental fluorosis is a term that covers a range of visible changes to the enamel surface of the tooth. For more information on dental fluorosis and the use of fluoridated drinking water in infant formula, go to CDC.gov/fluoridation.

Milwaukee Water Works

Customer Service Center Zeidler Municipal Building

841 N. Broadway, Room 406 Milwaukee, WI 53202

Open M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact Us

Phone: (414) 286-2830

TDD: (414) 286-8801

Fax: (414) 286-5452

24-hour Water Control Center:

(414) 286-3710

For non-emergency contact: watwebcs@milwaukee.gov Milwaukee.gov/water

Para una explicación en Español, por favor llame al:

(414) 286-2830.

8

Contaminants


Milwaukee Waterworks

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 647290
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Surface water
  • Total: 29

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Arsenic
  • Bromate
  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Other Detected Contaminants

  • Aldicarb sulfoxide
  • Aluminum
  • Antimony
  • Atrazine
  • Barium
  • Bromoform
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (total)
  • Desethylatrazine
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Manganese
  • Molybdenum
  • Strontium
  • Trichloroacetic acid
  • Vanadium
  • Xylenes (total)

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

Milwaukee Tap Water

You are making a wise decision to invest in reusable, recyclable, and disposable water containers to store your Milwaukee tap water in. The bottled water and ice water industries are trying to make it hard to be successful, but this is not necessary if you store your water in the right way. Your drinking water is as clean and natural as the water coming out of your tap, so why do you have to pay for drinks you could be making at home? Instead of throwing away plastic water bottles, find ways to reuse them. It makes more sense to pay a little extra and keep your Milwaukee tap in perfect condition than paying a lot of money to replace bottles.

Of all the options for water storage available to you, just one has to meet all federal guidelines for safe drinking water: your Milwaukee tap. Choose your own Milwaukee tap and keep it free from any contamination. If your tap comes from a municipal source, treat the water to remove any bacteria that may be present. You can also buy portable filters that you can use in your own home. Simply follow the instructions for use and read the label.

One of the best ways to protect your family from impurities is to install filter systems in all of your kitchen and bathroom faucets. By removing these contaminants from your tap, you will eliminate the need to toss plastic water bottles into your garbage. Also, by keeping your tap clear, you are increasing its useable life. How many times have you had to turn off the faucet or drain water because of a clog? The fewer times this happens, the less money you’ll spend on repairs.

Milwaukee Water

Milwaukee water treatment meets all federal and state health regulations. Milwaukee’s clean and pure water, refreshing, all day long, is an excellent value. Four six-gallon bottles cost one dollar. If you consume eight glasses of purified water a day, then you spend $2,790 a year on bottled waters alone.

There are many distributors in Wisconsin who pride themselves on delivering clean and pure water to our homes. However, it can be costly, particularly if you do not take care of storing it properly. This may be the reason that some people choose to purchase bottled water. It seems much safer to buy something in bulk at a discount than to try to keep up with the regular six-gallon rotation. This would free up a lot of money for you, which you could use for something more important in life. I have heard it said that if you want to become rich, start with your own water supply!

If you are not sure about what kind of filtration system to buy, there are plenty of options in Wisconsin. In particular, Milwaukee is well known for having a good variety of different manufacturers. Your personal tastes and budget will play a big part in the choice that you make. You should also check out the vendors online. You may find better prices online.

Milwaukee Water Source

The Milwaukee water system is considered one of the most modern in the United States. With an average annual rainfall of over seven million, the city boasts of a lush green landscape and beautiful natural scenery. As the largest city in Wisconsin, Milwaukee stands as the ideal place for a home or business to call home. In addition to its scenic beauty, the city also offers a wide variety of employment opportunities, from the manufacturing base of the modern era of industries such as Greenfield, Kohler, Wal-Mart, and others to the more luring prospects of service jobs such as those provided by restaurants or gyms. As you explore the various aspects of this dynamic city, you will find that there are many different routes you can take to get there – whether it be an authentic Milwaukee accent professional Milwaukee services, family fun attractions, or a quick escape to another world.

While there may be some people who find a personal Milwaukee water source boring, the truth is that the Milwaukee water treatment plant spares no expense in providing clean, purified water for all of its residents. The system uses sophisticated purification technology to provide safe, great-tasting water for all of its residents. If you want to enjoy a refreshing drink at any time, day or night, there is no reason that you should ever have to settle for water that has been subjected to public filtration and treatment. No matter what time of the year it may be, there is always going to be a Milwaukee water source that will be right on your doorstep. The only thing that you will ever need to do is look for one close to your home or office.

This water source will provide you with exceptional health benefits as well as give you cleaner water than you could ever dream of. The city of Milwaukee uses the most advanced methods of purification to ensure that the water that is delivered is free from bacteria and other impurities that could endanger your health. With an emphasis on environmental protection, you can be sure that your Milwaukee water source is treating the water to ensure it is the safest it can possibly be. Whether you want a cool, refreshing beverage at 2 a.m. or want to make sure that you and your family stay healthy, there is no better water source in the entire world.

Milwaukee Water Works

An easy way to be familiar with the different water systems in your city or town would be to take a look at the city of Milwaukee waterworks systems. This is especially great if you are moving to this area and will not have easy access to a water source in your new home. Even if you are already residing in the area and just want to know more about your water supply, it would be helpful to check out the city’s waterworks to see how reliable and safe the system is for your family and community. It is important to know how safe the water in your area is because you don’t want to become a victim of waterborne illnesses and other water-borne diseases.

It is possible for you to go to your city’s waterworks department and get an assessment of the type of water source that is currently available to you. If there are specific areas of the city that have better or worse water quality than others, it would be good for you to find out if you are among those people by looking at your water reports and finding out what kind of waterworks system that your community uses. If you’re not sure which specific treatment facility in your community uses, you can go online and look up their system maps, which should tell you which treatment facilities are responsible for which part of the city. If you live in the rural parts of the city, you might have a different waterworks system than those living in the urban area since they use different methods to purify the water.

However, if you want to be sure that the system you are using is safe for your family, it would be helpful for you to learn more about the various waterworks systems available in the area. By doing this, you could pinpoint which particular treatment system is best for your family’s water needs. It also helps to know how often the system has to be serviced since there are times when the water gets interrupted for various reasons that may affect the quality of the water. There are different ways to get this kind of information, so it would be best for you to do some research.

Milwaukee Water Treatment Facility

When you are looking for a water treatment facility in Wisconsin then you will want to make sure that you check out the professional staff of the company. They are trained to be experts in the way that the water is treated and they will know how to keep your family safe from the harmful effects of untreated water. If you want to make sure that you and your family are safe from the water that comes from your tap then it is time that you took the proper precautions to ensure that you are doing the right thing. This is not a job that you should take lightly because the safety of your family is resting on your decision.

The Milwaukee water treatment facility is right around the corner and you can find out more information about it and how they can provide you with the kind of service that you need. No matter what kind of water that you have in your home or what kind of stains your water may have gotten, the professionals at this facility can help. They are experts in water treatment and you will be happy to know that they will take care of everything for you. You can trust them to give you the best treatment for your water and to keep it clean and pure at all times.

Milwaukee’s Drinking Water

It is now publicly known that the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner has found traces of prescription drugs in the drinking water of Milwaukee. This comes as no surprise considering the fact that the drugs are being consumed by thousands of Milwaukee residents each day. These drugs are often used by doctors on patients who cannot get treatment through other means due to their health conditions. It is for this reason that Milwaukee is experiencing a major public health crisis with regard to its drinking water.

In order for the citizens of Milwaukee to be free from the contaminated waters, the Wisconsin Department of Health does not stand behind the claims that these drugs have been found in the drinking water of the city. Rather, the Wisconsin Department of Medicine believes that the presence of these drugs is due to waste material that might have been discharged from the Milwaukee treatment plant. This waste material may also have come from another storage facility. Therefore, it can be concluded that the drugs came from somewhere else besides the plant. The only way the Milwaukee water contamination problem can be solved is by having these wastes removed from the drinking water supply of the people of Milwaukee.

As if this is not enough to scare the residents of Milwaukee, there is still more bad news for them. Because of all the drugs found in the drinking water, the cost to provide clean and healthy water to Milwaukee’s residents is very high. In addition, the clean-up process that would be required for the removal of the drugs from the drinking water would also be very costly. The residents of Milwaukee need not worry about the contaminated drinking water anymore. There is help at hand though, and it is being provided by the new Environmental Protection Agency which is calling the McKinney Riverkeeper.

Drinking-Water Quality

Drinking water quality standards are necessary for many reasons. The ability of water to aid the body in fighting disease is the primary reason why this is important. Many diseases exist in countries with poor drinking water. Diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery are common in undeveloped countries without safe drinking water supplies. Unsafe levels of consumption can cause death. Drinking water quality standards are necessary to limit the risk of these diseases.

The United States has among the safest and reliable drinking water supplies in the world. Every year, an estimated million people receive their water supply from a municipal water source. The majority of the water supply systems in the United States are required to meet the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act. The drinking water quality that is provided to residences comes either from an above-ground public supply or a surface supply.

For drinking water systems, testing is performed on an annual basis at the water treatment facility or at the individual home. For private well water systems, testing may be conducted more frequently, but this should not be done unless approved by the county drainage district. The county will also require the well to be located on private good lands, if applicable. Private well water systems that are located on government lands do not have to test for safety on an annual basis or have testing conducted according to local drinking water quality standards.

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