Milwaukee, Wisconsin Tap Water Quality Report
Serving utility: Milwaukee Waterworks
Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS
High Priority Concerns
Milwaukee tap water has 16 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Total PFOS and PFOA, Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). Additionally, 15 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Bromodichloromethane.
Water Provider Information
Contaminants Detected
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EWG Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total PFOS and PFOA | 3.40 ppt | 0.01 ppt | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen | 4.48 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen | 9.13 ppb | 0.15 ppb | 80 ppb | Above guideline |
| Bromodichloromethane carcinogen | 3.33 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dibromochloromethane carcinogen | 2.41 ppb | 0.10 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Bromate carcinogen | 1.72 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 10 ppb | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen | 1.49 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 60 ppb | Above guideline |
| Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen | 0.21 ppb | 0.02 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Chloroform carcinogen | 3.01 ppb | 0.40 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) carcinogen | 0.68 ppt | 0.09 ppt | 4 ppt | Above guideline |
| Dichloroacetic acid carcinogen | 1.12 ppb | 0.20 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 0.12 ppb | 0.03 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) carcinogen | 1.03 ppt | 0.30 ppt | 4 ppt | Above guideline |
| Nitrate carcinogen | 0.35 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Trichloroacetic acid carcinogen | 0.24 ppb | 0.10 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Nitrate and nitrite carcinogen | 0.32 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Antimony | 0.17 ppb | 1 ppb | 6 ppb | Below guideline |
| Atrazine | 0.02 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 3 ppb | Below guideline |
| Barium | 19.80 ppb | 700 ppb | 2,000 ppb | Below guideline |
| Bromoform carcinogen | 0.39 ppb | 0.50 ppb | No legal limit | Near guideline |
| Chlorate | 59.80 ppb | 210 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Chromium (total) | 0.80 ppb | N/A | 100 ppb | Below guideline |
| Fluoride | 0.60 ppm | N/A | 4 ppm | Below guideline |
| Manganese | 0.76 ppb | 100 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Molybdenum | 0.64 ppb | 40 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Strontium | 0.12 ppb | 1,500 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Vanadium | 0.28 ppb | 21 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
Health Context
Total PFOS and PFOA
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Bromodichloromethane carcinogen
Bromodichloromethane is a trihalomethane (THM) disinfection byproduct that damages liver and kidneys with chronic exposure. EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen based on animal carcinogenicity data.
Dibromochloromethane carcinogen
Dibromochloromethane is a trihalomethane (THM) that may increase cancer risk and cause liver and kidney damage with chronic exposure at elevated levels.
Recommended Filtration for This Water
Echo RO System
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Filters water at every tap in your home. Reduces chlorine, VOCs, and disinfection byproducts from your shower, bath, and kitchen water.
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Shop Hydrogen FlaskFrequently Asked Questions
Is Milwaukee tap water safe to drink?
Milwaukee tap water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water. However, 16 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 15 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.
What contaminants are in Milwaukee water?
A total of 27 contaminants were detected in Milwaukee tap water, including Total PFOS and PFOA, Haloacetic acids (HAA9). Of these, 16 exceed EWG health guidelines.
What's the best water filter for Milwaukee?
For Milwaukee tap water, we recommend a reverse osmosis (RO) system for drinking water — it removes up to 99.9% of contaminants including heavy metals, PFAS, and disinfection byproducts. For shower and bath water, a whole-home filtration system reduces chlorine and volatile organics.
Where does Milwaukee get its water?
Milwaukee tap water is provided by Milwaukee Waterworks, serving approximately 647,290 people. For detailed source water information, contact your local utility or visit the EPA's SDWIS database.
Nearby City Water Reports
Data sources: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database, U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Last updated: March 2026
Methodology: Contaminant levels are compared against both EPA legal limits (Maximum Contaminant Levels) and EWG health guidelines, which are often stricter and based on the latest scientific research.
