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WaterSafeCheck
Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideStatus: Normal Operations

ZIP Code 53140 Water Quality & Testing Report

Kenosha, WI · Kenosha County County · Updated for 2026

Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 53140 (Kenosha, WI)?

Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 53140 (Kenosha, WI) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (69/100) due to 7 health violation(s) and 7.8 ppb lead. While treated by Kenosha Water Utility, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

7

Total Violations

29

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

2

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 53140

Tap water in ZIP code 53140 (Kenosha, WI) is distributed by Kenosha Water Utility (EPA ID: WI2300046), serving approximately 99,218 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of C with a composite quality score of 69/100.

Water System

Kenosha Water Utility

EPA ID: WI2300046

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

99,218 residents

County

Kenosha County County, Wisconsin

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Lead Levels in ZIP 53140

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

Lead Level: 7.8 ppb — Moderate

The 90th percentile lead level in 53140 is 7.8 ppb. This is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, but above ideal health goals. Consider a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead exposure risk in 53140 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 69% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
7.80 ppb (0.0078 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

7.8 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

69%
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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Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Hard7.8 GPG · 133 mg/L

Water in ZIP 53140 is Hard (133 mg/L / 7.8 GPG). Residents may notice white mineral spots on glassware, reduced soap efficiency, and mineral scale on faucets and showerheads.

Recommendation: An ion-exchange water softener or descaler is recommended to prolong the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing.
Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

7.8 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

133 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
High / Severe

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Kenosha Water Utility · PWSID: WI2300046

Verify on EPA.gov
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Kenosha Water Utility has recorded 7 health-based violations out of 29 total violations over the past 5 years. 8 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)
29
Health-Based Violations
7
Unresolved Violations
8
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 2 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Stage 2 DBP Rule, Contaminant 0700.

Stage 2 DBP RuleContaminant 0700

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Lead (7.8 ppb)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 10 enforcement actions to address compliance lapses.
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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
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$0
Energy Burden

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

3.61%

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

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 53140

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 53140 served by Kenosha Water Utility can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.

Tap Water Testing Steps

  • 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
  • 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
  • 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.

Private Well Testing Steps

  • •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
  • •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
  • •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in WI for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 53140 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

Recommended Water Treatment Systems:

🏺

NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter

Specifically certified to reduce lead and copper at the tap.

Lead Filter Guide →
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NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System

Advanced filtration for PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, and organic chemicals.

RO System Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 53140 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 53140?+
Tap water in 53140 (Kenosha, WI) meets major standards but has a grade of C due to minor past violations. Vulnerable populations may want to use a certified filter as a precaution.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 53140 (Kenosha, WI)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 53140, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in WI. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for a list of certified regional labs.
How hard is the tap water in 53140?+
Tap water in 53140 is classified as Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 133 mg/L (7.8 GPG). An ion-exchange water softener or descaler is recommended to prolong the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing.
Should I test private well water in 53140?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 53140 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
What is the lead level in 53140 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 53140 is 7.8 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 53140?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 53140. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 53140?+
Tap water in ZIP code 53140 is provided by Kenosha Water Utility (EPA ID: WI2300046), serving approximately 99,218 residents.
What water filter should I use in 53140?+
Based on water metrics for 53140, we recommend Reverse Osmosis (PFAS & Lead). Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 58 (Reverse Osmosis), NSF/ANSI 53 (Lead & VOCs), NSF/ANSI P473 (PFAS/PFOS).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 53140 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 Kenosha 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 →