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Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideHistorical Record: No Recorded SDWIS Violations

ZIP Code 53208 Water Quality & Testing Report

Milwaukee, WI · Milwaukee County County · Updated for 2026

Public Health & Medical Notice: Drinking water quality data on this page reflects historical compliance records submitted under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This information does not constitute medical advice or a real-time safety guarantee. If you are pregnant, nursing, preparing infant formula, or immunocompromised, consult a healthcare provider. Boiling water kills biological pathogens, but does NOT remove chemical contaminants like lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 53208 (Milwaukee, WI)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 53208 (Milwaukee, WI) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Milwaukee Waterworks, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (75/100) with 2 health violations, 5.3 ppb lead, and hard (126 mg/L / 7.4 GPG) water.

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

2

Total Violations

41

Lead Risk

Very High

Contaminants

1

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 53208

Tap water in ZIP code 53208 (Milwaukee, WI) is distributed by Milwaukee Waterworks (EPA ID: WI2410100), serving approximately 626,000 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of B with a composite quality score of 75/100.

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 53208

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

Lead Level: 5.3 ppb — Moderate

The 90th percentile lead level in 53208 is 5.3 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 53208 is rated Very High. EPA models estimate a 80% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

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
Very High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

80%
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: Hard7.4 GPG · 126 mg/L

Water in ZIP 53208 is Hard (126 mg/L / 7.4 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

7.4 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

126 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
High / Severe

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Milwaukee Waterworks · PWSID: WI2410100

Verify on EPA.gov
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Milwaukee Waterworks has recorded 2 health-based violations out of 41 total violations over the past 5 years. 10 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)
41
Health-Based Violations
2
Unresolved Violations
10
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

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

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Stage 2 DBP Rule.

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
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$1
Energy Burden

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

4.05%

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

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 53208

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 53208 served by Milwaukee Waterworks 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 53208 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

Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:

🚰

NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter

Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.

Filter Selection Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 53208 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 53208?+
Yes — tap water in 53208 (Milwaukee, WI) meets EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 53208 (Milwaukee, WI)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 53208, 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 53208?+
Tap water in 53208 is classified as Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 126 mg/L (7.4 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 53208?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 53208 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 53208 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 53208 is 5.3 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 53208?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 53208. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 53208?+
Tap water in ZIP code 53208 is provided by Milwaukee Waterworks (EPA ID: WI2410100), serving approximately 626,000 residents.
What water filter should I use in 53208?+
Based on water metrics for 53208, 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 53208 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 →