Fitchburg Utility District 1 Water Company

How frequently is Fitchburg's water tested? Certified professionals from the City of Fitchburg and certified laboratories conduct the following tests:

• Daily: Fluoride monitoring
• Weekly: Chlorine and Phosphates (twice weekly)
• Monthly: Bacteriological (15 sample points)

Additional testing occurs quarterly, annually, and every three years according to State of Wisconsin and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.

Where does our water come from? Fitchburg Utility relies on groundwater supplied from four deep wells that produce approximately 1.9 million gallons daily. These wells reach depths of 1,000-1,033 feet. Our infrastructure includes three elevated storage tanks and one surface reservoir with a combined capacity of 2.25 million gallons.

Our wells draw water from a regionally recharged deep aquifer, bypassing the upper aquifer which is more vulnerable to surface contaminants. Though certain water sources may be less susceptible to contamination, most aquifers have some vulnerability. This is why wellhead protection protocols are essential for maintaining the quality of water from these wells.

How is our water treated? Your water receives liquid chlorine treatment at each site to eliminate harmful bacteria that may be present in source water. We maintain a disinfection residual of 0.6 mg/l (milligrams per liter or parts per million). To help prevent tooth decay, we add liquid fluoride, targeting a residual level of 0.7 mg/l. Polyphosphates are added to prevent reddish discoloration caused by iron in the water.

1. Where does Fitchburg Utility District 1 water come from?
   Fitchburg Utility District 1 supplies groundwater to Fitchburg, Wisconsin.
2. Does Fitchburg Utility District 1 test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Fitchburg Utility District 1 must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Fitchburg Utility District 1?
   Call 608270-4265 or visit 5520 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Fitchburg Utility District 1 water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Fitchburg Utility District 1 water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.