Copper in Madison, WI Drinking Water
Copper data for Madison, Wisconsin · 282,013 residents · 35 ZIP codes
Water quality records for Madison, Wisconsin show Copper detections on file — a finding that places it among the contaminants worth tracking for this area.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Copper in Madison Tap Water
Copper has been detected in Madison, Wisconsin drinking water at a maximum level of 1600 ppb — 1.23x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 282,013 residents across 35 ZIP codes in Madison.
Madison's overall water quality grade is C (60/100).
Is Copper in Madison Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 and testing your water independently.
Copper Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Copper Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53701 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53702 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53703 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53704 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53705 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53706 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53707 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53708 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53711 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53713 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53714 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53715 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53716 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53717 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53718 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53719 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53725 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53726 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53744 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53774 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53777 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53778 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53779 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53782 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 53783 | 1600 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| ...10 more ZIP codes |
Average copper level across Madison: 1600 ppb
Health Effects of Copper
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (short-term, high levels)
- Liver and kidney damage (long-term)
- Particularly dangerous for people with Wilson's disease
- Infants are more sensitive than adults
Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule.
How Copper Gets Into Drinking Water
- Corrosion of copper household plumbing
- Acidic (low pH) water accelerates copper leaching
- New copper pipes leach more than aged ones
- Mining and industrial discharge (rare for tap water)
What to Do About Copper in Madison Water
- Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
- Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
- If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
- Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.