Milwaukee Waterworks Water Company

Lake Michigan serves as the primary source of Milwaukee's municipal water supply. As water travels through natural waterways and over land, it can collect various substances commonly referred to as "contaminants." Surface water sources like Lake Michigan may be particularly vulnerable to contamination, especially in heavily populated areas with significant human and animal activity.

The latest DNR Source Water Assessment for Milwaukee is available online at http://city.Milwaukee.gov/water/waterquality. Potential substances found in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants including viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens
• Inorganic contaminants such as metals and salts
• Agricultural chemicals including herbicides and pesticides
• Organic chemical compounds
• Radioactive substances

Since 1993, Milwaukee Water Works has invested $508 million in infrastructure improvements to ensure reliable delivery of clean, safe water. The utility employs ozone as its primary disinfectant—this reactive gas effectively neutralizes harmful microorganisms, eliminates taste and odor issues, and reduces disinfection byproducts. In addition to ozone treatment, the facility utilizes coagulation, sedimentation, biologically active filtration, and chloramine disinfection.

All water, including bottled varieties, can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's safe water hotline (800-426-4791) or visit http://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregulations.

Milwaukee Water Works is an active member of the American Water Works Association, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, Water Research Foundation, Wisconsin Section of the AWWA, and Great Lakes Resource Water Initiative.

1. Where does Milwaukee Waterworks water come from?
   Milwaukee Waterworks supplies surface water to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
2. Does Milwaukee Waterworks test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Milwaukee Waterworks 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 Milwaukee Waterworks?
   Call 414-286-2830 or visit 841 North Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Milwaukee Waterworks 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 Milwaukee Waterworks 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.