Nitrate in Waukesha, WI Drinking Water
Nitrate data for Waukesha, Wisconsin · 72,248 residents · 4 ZIP codes
If you rely on a public water system in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Nitrate is a contaminant your utility has been required to test for — and EPA records show it has been detected at measurable levels, making it worth understanding as part of your tap water's detection record.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Nitrate in Waukesha Tap Water
Waukesha, Wisconsin has 24 EPA violations related to nitrate in drinking water.
This analysis covers 72,248 residents across 4 ZIP codes in Waukesha.
Waukesha's overall water quality grade is C (55/100).
Is Nitrate in Waukesha Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or ion exchange filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
EPA Violations for Nitrate in Waukesha
| Date | Violation Type | Status | ZIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-04-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 53186 |
| 2023-04-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 53187 |
| 2023-04-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 53188 |
| 2023-04-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 53189 |
| 2023-01-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 53186 |
| 2023-01-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 53187 |
| 2023-01-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 53188 |
| 2023-01-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 53189 |
| 2022-10-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 53186 |
| 2022-10-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 53187 |
| 2022-10-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 53188 |
| 2022-10-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 53189 |
| 2022-07-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 53186 |
| 2022-07-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 53187 |
| 2022-07-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 53188 |
| 2022-07-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 53189 |
| 2022-04-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 53186 |
| 2022-04-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 53187 |
| 2022-04-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 53188 |
| 2022-04-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 53189 |
| ... | 4 more violations |
Health Effects of Nitrate
- Methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome") in infants under 6 months
- Increased risk of colorectal and bladder cancer (long-term)
- Thyroid disease from chronic exposure
- Possible reproductive effects
Health risk severity: High. Governed by the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
How Nitrate Gets Into Drinking Water
- Agricultural fertilizer runoff
- Animal feedlot operations and manure
- Septic system leachate
- Urban stormwater and wastewater discharge
What to Do About Nitrate in Waukesha Water
- Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for nitrate removal
- Ion exchange systems designed for nitrate can also work
- Standard carbon filters do NOT remove nitrate
- Boiling water increases nitrate concentration — never boil for nitrate
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for nitrate removal.