Water Quality in Fort Atkinson, WI: 9 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 34/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Fort Atkinson's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The public EPA compliance record for Fort Atkinson, WI holds 9 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Fort Atkinson
Water quality varies across Fort Atkinson's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53538 | F | 34 | 9 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 34 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Fort Atkinson have accumulated 9 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 12,671 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Fort Atkinson's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Fort Atkinson water systems is 0.0130 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 69% of homes built before 1986, Fort Atkinson has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Fort Atkinson is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Fort Atkinson
Fort Atkinson is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 12,671 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Atkinson. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Fort Atkinson
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Fort Atkinson Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Fort Atkinson's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Atkinson. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-07-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-02-14 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-24.
Fort Atkinson vs. Nearby Wisconsin Cities
How Fort Atkinson's water quality compares to similar cities in Wisconsin:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Atkinson | F | 9 | 5 | 12,671 |
| Grafton | B | 8 | 5 | 12,569 |
| Port Washington | B | 4 | 2 | 12,883 |
| Platteville | D | 18 | 3 | 12,438 |
Common Questions About Fort Atkinson Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin:
Is Fort Atkinson water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Fort Atkinson's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Fort Atkinson tap water? Fort Atkinson's water receives a grade of F (34/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Fort Atkinson? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Fort Atkinson vs. Wisconsin Average
Understanding how Fort Atkinson compares to the broader Wisconsin average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Fort Atkinson.
ZIP Codes in Fort Atkinson
Fort Atkinson spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 53538. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.