F0/100
Germantown Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 20,027 residents · Wisconsin
What's In Germantown's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
4
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
strontium | 51952.70 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
manganese | 406.04 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
chlorate | 360.44 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024 – September 2, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
GERMANTOWN WATER UTILITY
Population Served
20,027
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WI2670105
Frequently Asked Questions About Germantown Water
Is Germantown tap water safe to drink?
Germantown, Wisconsin tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 110 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Germantown's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Germantown's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), strontium, manganese, chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Germantown have any water quality violations?
Yes, Germantown has 110 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include TT, Other, MR. 7 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Germantown?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Germantown is recommended. 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Germantown's tap water come from?
Germantown's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by GERMANTOWN WATER UTILITY. The system serves approximately 20,027 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Germantown's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Germantown's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Germantown's water compare to other cities in Wisconsin?
Germantown's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Wisconsin state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Germantown's water quality?
If you have concerns about Germantown's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (GERMANTOWN WATER UTILITY) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.