ZIP Code 53716 Water Quality & Testing Report
Madison, WI · Dane County County · Updated for 2026
Compiled & verified by Sahajul Haque from official EPA SDWIS recordsIs Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 53716 (Madison, WI)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 53716 (Madison, WI) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (59/100) due to 3 health violation(s) and 1.8 ppb lead. While treated by Madison Water Utility, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Fair — Some compliance concerns
Health Violations
3
Total Violations
11
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
2
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 4 unresolved violations. Contact Madison Water Utility for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 53716
Tap water in ZIP code 53716 (Madison, WI) is distributed by Madison Water Utility (EPA ID: WI1130224), serving approximately 272,000 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 59/100.
Water System
Madison Water Utility
EPA ID: WI1130224
Water Source
Ground Water
Population Served
272,000 residents
County
Dane County County, Wisconsin
Lead Levels in ZIP 53716
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 1.8 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 53716 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 53% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
From annual CCR filing
From annual CCR filing
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 53716 is Hard (159 mg/L / 9.3 GPG). Residents may notice white mineral spots on glassware, reduced soap efficiency, and mineral scale on faucets and showerheads.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: Madison Water Utility · PWSID: WI1130224
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
Madison Water Utility has recorded 3 health-based violations out of 11 total violations over the past 5 years. 4 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.
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, Gross Beta.
From Consumer Confidence Report:
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) (3.1 ppb); Chloride (210 ppm); Manganese (45 ppb); Copper (150 ppm)
⚖ Enforcement Actions
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.
Highest potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
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.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 53716
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 53716 served by Madison 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.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 53716 Recommendations
Some compliance concerns — take precautions
- ⚠ 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.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Advanced filtration for PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, and organic chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 53716 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 53716?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 53716 (Madison, WI)?+
How hard is the tap water in 53716?+
Should I test private well water in 53716?+
What is the lead level in 53716 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 53716?+
Who provides tap water to 53716?+
What water filter should I use in 53716?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 53716 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 →