Water Quality
Madison Water Utility takes the quality of our water very seriously. We routinely collect more samples and run more tests than are actually required by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Our drinking water, pumped from an underground aquifer, more than meets all federal and state drinking water standards.
Latest Annual Water Quality Report (PDF)
What’s the water quality like in your home? Find out the water quality for wells serving your address.
DISCOLORED WATER
Water from our aquifer often contains low levels of naturally occurring iron and manganese, which can accumulate as sediment in water mains. The minerals aren’t considered harmful, but their accumulation over time can cause water to have a slight brown or reddish tint. We regularly flush our water mains in the spring and summer months to push out the sediment, but that action -- or any other disturbance such as fire suppression, a main break, contractor work, or a flow test -- can temporarily stir up the sediment that causes discolored water. If your water becomes discolored, run a cold water tap in the basement at full force until the water clears. Usually it clears in just a few minutes. If it doesn’t, call the utility Water Quality hotline at 266-4654 or 266-4665 (24-hour operator).
Fluoride
Madison Water Utility follows the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control, State Department of Health Services, and Department of Public Health Madison-Dane County with respect to water fluoridation. (24-hour operator).
