Wauwatosa Waterworks Water Company

REGARDING THE WAUWATOSA WATER UTILITY

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires water utilities to provide customers with a Consumer Confidence Report annually. This document educates residents about their water source, treatment processes, and extensive quality testing performed before water reaches Wauwatosa homes.

The Wauwatosa Water Department strives to provide customers with sufficient high-quality water at reasonable rates for public health, sanitation, and fire protection through regular resource assessments, effective maintenance programs, and efficient daily operations.

Established in 1897, the Wauwatosa Water Utility originally relied on groundwater. In 1963, through an agreement with Wisconsin Water Works (MWW), the Utility began delivering treated Lake Michigan water to customers. MWW employs a multi-barrier approach to remove contaminants, testing source and treated water for over 500 contaminants, though only 91 are currently regulated by the EPA.

Detailed water quality information is available at the Wisconsin Water Works website. Their monitoring ensures safe water and compliance with future regulations. Milwaukee's water meets or exceeds all state and federal health standards.

During 2017, Wauwatosa Water Utility pumped an average of 4.25 million gallons daily for residential, commercial, and industrial use. The utility submitted 612 water samples to the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Health for bacterial analysis. Additionally, the utility maintains over 203 miles of water main, 2,235 fire hydrants, 3,582 distribution valves, and 15,521 water meters in accordance with EPA, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Public Service Commission of Wisconsin standards.

WATER SYSTEM INFORMATION

For questions about this report or the Wauwatosa Water Utility, please contact Adam Florin, Water Superintendent, at 414-471-8480 ext: 5915. Common Council public meetings are held at 7:30 PM in the Council chambers at City Hall, 7725 W. North Avenue, on the first and third Tuesdays monthly. The Board of Public Works and Wauwatosa Water Utility budget meeting schedules vary. Contact the city clerk at 414-479-8917 for meeting schedules or visit www.wauwatosa.net.

1. Where does Wauwatosa Waterworks water come from?
   Wauwatosa Waterworks supplies purchased surface water to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
2. Does Wauwatosa Waterworks test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa Waterworks?
   Call 414-479-8900 or visit 7725 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa 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.