Waukesha, WI: 48 Health Violations — 41/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 13 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Federal monitoring data for Waukesha puts the city in WI's lower safety tier — exceedances show up in multiple utility districts, several systems have met thresholds requiring public notification under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the compliance deficit has persisted across more than one consecutive reporting cycle, with no clear reversal visible in the most recent data available.
How Waukesha Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Waukesha Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 92 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0023 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 60% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,350 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.81.
Water Systems Serving Waukesha
3 independent water providers serve Waukesha, WI — 13 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Waukesha, Wisconsin (population ~94,161), covering 13 community water systems serving approximately 155,147 people region-wide.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 48 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Waukesha: D (41/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Waukesha water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0023 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 4 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 40 | 4 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 30 | 4 |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 20 | 4 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 4 |
| Contaminant 1006 | Other | 5 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53186 | D | 23 | 12 | Waukesha Water Utility |
| 53187 | F | 23 | 12 | Waukesha Water Utility |
| 53188 | D | 23 | 12 | Waukesha Water Utility |
| 53189 | D | 23 | 12 | Waukesha Water Utility |
All ZIP Codes in Waukesha
- 53186 [D] — 23 violations ⚠
- 53187 [F] — 23 violations ⚠
- 53188 [D] — 23 violations ⚠
- 53189 [D] — 23 violations ⚠
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
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Waukesha
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Key Contaminants Detected in Waukesha
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Waukesha's Housing Stock?
With 60% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
When a city's housing median build year is 1982, as in Waukesha, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Waukesha were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Waukesha: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Waukesha valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Waukesha are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$4,250 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 37% above the Wisconsin average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Waukesha
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 60% of the Waukesha inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Waukesha
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Waukesha shows a moderate flood record — 40 claims and 75% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Waukesha has a moderate flood history with 40 FEMA claims averaging $9,398 per payout. 75% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,350</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Waukesha
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Gross Alpha can reduce the most common contaminant found in Waukesha's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 60% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Waukesha, WI