ZipCheckup grade for 53186: F.
Lowest grade in federal records; check your home directly.
Your top priority: match a filter's certification to the violations (71 health-based violations). Check your ZIP → NSF certified filters
Waukesha, WI (53186): PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level - 33/100
EPA data combined for 5 water systems mapped to this ZIP (largest mapped system: Waukesha Water Utility)
Health-based violation records by water system:
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 53186 in Waukesha, WI contain 97 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 71 are marked health-based.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 71 health-based violations and 26 non-health-based (since 2021).
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result of 0.0006 mg/L is below the EPA action level for water systems; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
- PFAS At least one PFAS result is above an EPA MCL value (UCMR5 sampling; MCL compliance required from 2029).
- Radon EPA Zone 1 - highest county-level potential. This is not a home measurement; test before any threshold comparison.
- Flood 15 cumulative NFIP claim records. Claim evidence is historical, not current map coverage.
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One critical finding sits on record for Waukesha (53186), unaccompanied by high-priority items.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: 33/100
This is the published model score. Component and domain values are shown independently; they are not added together on this page.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 4 of 4 components and 3 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (9) CRITICAL
Your Water System
ZIP code 53186 in Waukesha, Wisconsin is mapped to the water system Waukesha Water Utility (EPA ID: WI2680238). This system provides water to approximately 70,718 people from surface water sources.
There are 5 community water systems serving this area.
Water Systems Serving This Area
| System Name | EPA ID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waukesha Water Utility | WI2680238 | 70,718 | Surface water |
| Town of Brookfield San District 4 | WI2680239 | 6,419 | Groundwater |
| Brookfield Water Utility | WI2680253 | 29,070 | Groundwater |
| Pewaukee City Water and Sewer Utility | WI2680214 | 8,671 | Groundwater |
| New Berlin Water Utility | WI2680217 | 27,899 | Surface water |
Other Water Quality Reports in Wisconsin
- 53001 (Adell) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 53002 (Allenton)
- 53003 (Ashippun)
- 53004 (Belgium) - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53005 (Brookfield) - 8 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53006 (Brownsville) - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53007 (Butler) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53008 (Brookfield)
- 53010 (Campbellsport) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53011 (Cascade) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53012 (Cedarburg) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53013 (Cedar Grove) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53014 (Chilton) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53015 (Cleveland) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53016 (Clyman)
- 53017 (Colgate) - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53018 (Delafield) - 26 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53019 (Eden)
- 53020 (Elkhart Lake)
- 53021 (Fredonia) - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 53187 (Waukesha) - 1 mi
- 53188 (Waukesha) - 3 mi - 133 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53146 (New Berlin) - 4 mi - 76 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53189 (Waukesha) - 5 mi - 79 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53045 (Brookfield) - 6 mi - 22 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53072 (Pewaukee) - 6 mi - 142 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53151 (New Berlin) - 6 mi - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53008 (Brookfield) - 7 mi
- 53005 (Brookfield) - 8 mi - 8 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 53122 (Elm Grove) - 8 mi - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Waukesha Water Utility (WI2680238) on EPA.gov.
5 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
Compliance History
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 53186. One or more compound results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029.
Detected compounds: PFHxS, PFHxA, 6:2 FTS, PFBS, PFPeA, PFPeS, PFBA, PFOS, PFOA, PFHpA.
Highest measured level: 0.069 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Health Risks from Detected Contaminants
Gross Alpha Particle Activity
High RiskEPA reference value: pCi/L · 38 violations on record
Increased cancer risk from radioactive particles
At-risk groups: long-term residents in areas with uranium or radium-rich geology, people on private wells in western US
Treatment options (verify a product is certified to reduce this contaminant): reverse osmosis, ion exchange, lime softening · Find a filter →
Environmental Hazards (11) HIGH
Home & Infrastructure (6) MODERATE
Possible home maintenance concerns - talk to a local expert.
Call (855) 384-4856Paid Partner This is a free service. You will be connected with an independent service provider. We may receive compensation.
Cost & Community (9) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in Waukesha
Based on local data for ZIP 53186, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in Waukesha has 15 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Gutter Installation & Repair
The median home in 53186 was built around 1976. Aging gutters can cause foundation damage, basement flooding, and mold - a professional assessment can prevent costly repairs.
Typical cost: Gutter installation: typically $1,000–$2,500 for a standard home
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsWindow Replacement
The median build year of homes in Waukesha is 1976; check the age and condition of your own windows. ENERGY STAR windows can save $101–$583/year on energy bills.
Typical cost: Window replacement: typically $300–$800 per window installed
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsRoofing Inspection & Repair
Homes built around 1976 may be on their second or third roof. A professional inspection can catch damage before leaks start.
Typical cost: Roof inspection: typically $75–$300; repairs $300–$1,500
Estimate Your Home Insurance NeedsService recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 53186 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 97 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 53186 (primary system: Waukesha Water Utility), including 71 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 53186's water come from?
The recorded water source for Waukesha Water Utility, a system mapped to ZIP code 53186, is Surface water. This system serves approximately 70,718 people.
How does Waukesha water compare to the national average?
Waukesha's Home Safety Score ranks lower than 100% of U.S. ZIP codes, and lower than 100% of ZIP codes within Wisconsin.
How can I get my water tested in Waukesha?
If Waukesha Water Utility supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
Is lead a concern in 53186 tap water?
The Lead and Copper Rule record selected for 53186 reports a 90th-percentile lead result of 0.00056 mg/L for a water system mapped to this ZIP (record date 2024-12-31). The EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L. This result is below the EPA action level; it does not show the lead level in each home.
What is the radon risk for 53186?
53186 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 1 (high county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Waukesha County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 53186's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 53186. One or more PFAS results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 53186?
FEMA records contain 15 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 53186; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is A, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. Claim records do not establish current property risk. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Waukesha, WI (53186): PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level - 33/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/53186/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-53186,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Waukesha, WI (53186): PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level - 33/100}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/53186/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 53186
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53187 | Waukesha, WI | 1.0 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 53188 | Waukesha, WI | 2.7 mi | F | 133 |
| 53146 | New Berlin, WI | 3.7 mi | D | 76 |
| 53189 | Waukesha, WI | 5.1 mi | D | 79 |
| 53045 | Brookfield, WI | 5.9 mi | C | 22 |
| 53072 | Pewaukee, WI | 6.1 mi | F | 142 |
| 53151 | New Berlin, WI | 6.4 mi | C | 2 |
| 53008 | Brookfield, WI | 7.1 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 53005 | Brookfield, WI | 7.5 mi | C | 8 |
| 53122 | Elm Grove, WI | 7.6 mi | C | 6 |
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
2026 Rankings for Your Area
Overall safety breakdown
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ZIP 53186 scores in the bottom tier nationally.