Water Quality in Waukesha, WI

Waukesha's water has very hard water (196 PPM) and PFAS above EPA limits (6 ppt). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. An activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels. Read below for a full breakdown.

Waukesha Water Utility · Source: Lake Michigan (new pipeline) · Serves 72,489 residents

196
Hardness (PPM)
382
TDS (PPM)
1.1
Chlorine (mg/L)
6
PFAS (ppt)
3
Lead (ppb)
196 PPM 0 400 Very Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 196 PPM TDS 382 PPM PFAS 6 ppt Lead 3 ppb Chlorine 1.1 mg/L Nitrate 4 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Waukesha Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Very hard waterPFAS above EPA limit

Waukesha recently completed a Lake Michigan pipeline to replace its radium-contaminated deep wells. Hardness has improved but remains moderate.

What Waukesha's Water Means for Your Home

Waukesha residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 196 PPM (11.5 grains per gallon), the water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from the regional geology as surface water is treated and distributed. This is not a safety issue. The minerals are safe to consume. But they create real, measurable costs for homeowners. Hard water at 196 PPM costs the average household $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden expenses, including higher energy bills from scale-insulated water heaters, increased soap and detergent usage, and premature appliance failure. Many Waukesha homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

PFAS contamination is a significant concern in Waukesha. At 6 parts per trillion, levels exceed the EPA's 2024 maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body, which is why they are called "forever chemicals." Long-term exposure has been associated with increased cancer risk, thyroid disruption, and immune system effects. A whole-house activated carbon filter or point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS to safe levels. Look for NSF P473 certification when comparing products.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)196 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids382 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM⚠ Elevated
PFAS (total)6 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)⚠ Above limit
Lead3 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.1 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate4 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Waukesha Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 196 PPM (11.5 GPG), Waukesha's water is very hard. Scale will accumulate in pipes, water heaters, and on fixtures. A salt-based ion exchange softener removes the calcium and magnesium causing the problem. For a typical Waukesha household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
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🔬 Activated Carbon Filter for PFAS
PFAS detected at 6 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system effects with long-term exposure. A whole-house granular activated carbon (GAC) filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS. Look for NSF P473 certification, which specifically tests for PFAS removal.
Learn more about this solution →

About Waukesha's Water Supply

Water Utility: Waukesha Water Utility

Water Source: Lake Michigan (new pipeline)

Population Served: 72,489

Hardness: 196 PPM (11.5 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Waukesha Water Utility. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Waukesha to Other Wisconsin Cities

Milwaukee

140 PPM · Hard

Madison

312 PPM · Extremely Hard

Green Bay

166 PPM · Hard

Kenosha

143 PPM · Hard

Racine

139 PPM · Hard

Appleton

304 PPM · Extremely Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Waukesha Water

Is Waukesha tap water safe to drink?
Waukesha's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. PFAS levels exceed the 2024 EPA health standard, which is a concern for long-term exposure. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Waukesha?
Yes. At 196 PPM (11.5 GPG), Waukesha's water is very hard. Without a softener, expect visible scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, reduced water heater efficiency (15 to 25 percent higher energy costs), spotted dishes and glassware, and soap that does not lather well. A salt-based water softener is the standard solution. For a typical Waukesha home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for Waukesha?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For PFAS, look for a filter with NSF P473 certification. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis systems are both effective. Standard carbon pitcher filters may not remove PFAS adequately. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Waukesha's water come from?
Waukesha's drinking water is sourced from Lake Michigan (new pipeline) and treated by Waukesha Water Utility. Waukesha recently completed a Lake Michigan pipeline to replace its radium-contaminated deep wells. Hardness has improved but remains moderate.
What is the hardness of Waukesha water in grains per gallon?
Waukesha's water hardness is 11.5 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 196 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as very hard. Most water softener manufacturers recommend treatment above 7 GPG. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Waukesha water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 11.5 GPG, Waukesha's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Waukesha water safe for babies and infants?
Waukesha's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.
How much does hard water cost a Waukesha household per year?
At 196 PPM, hard water costs the average Waukesha household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Waukesha households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Waukesha Water Utility Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.