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What Homeowners Need to Know

Water Quality in Brookfield, Wisconsin

Brookfield, WI may be one of the most desirable suburbs of Milwaukee, but when it comes to tap water, looks can be deceiving. Despite meeting federal safety standards, water in Brookfield contains numerous contaminants that exceed the health-based limits set by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Among these are radium, nitrates, and trihalomethanes, all of which carry risks that range from cancer to reproductive issues.

Brookfield’s municipal water comes from deep aquifers and is supplemented by surface water sources treated by the Milwaukee Water Works. This mixture of sources, while comprehensive, still results in the presence of disinfection byproducts, radioactive elements, and industrial pollutants that enter the system during treatment or distribution. For homes relying on private wells, risks increase due to a lack of regulation—wells can contain high iron, manganese, sulfur, agricultural runoff, and even volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from past land use. Testing is not mandated for private wells, which leaves many homeowners unaware of hidden dangers. Whether you’re on city water or well water, comprehensive testing is the only way to know what’s in your water. More Brookfield homeowners are turning to custom filtration systems and regular water testing to ensure their drinking water is as safe as it looks.
Water Quality in Brookfield, Wisconsin
Know what’s in your Cedarburg WI tap water – EWG water quality awareness graphic

Contaminants of Concern in Brookfield’s Water

EWG.org Research (via ZIP Code for Brookfield, WI – 53005)

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Brookfield’s water utility (Public Water System ID: WI2680158) has 15 contaminants that exceed EWG health guidelines, with 39 total contaminants detected. These include disinfection byproducts, industrial pollutants, PFAS compounds, nitrate, and naturally occurring radioactive materials.

Total contaminants exceeding health guidelines: 15

Top 10 Contaminants Detected (with tested levels):

  1. Bromodichloromethane – 2.45 ppb (41× EWG guideline)
  2. Chloroform – 3.95 ppb (9.9×)
  3. Chromium (hexavalent) – 0.78 ppb (39×)
  4. Haloacetic acids (HAA5) – 3.91 ppb (39×)
  5. Haloacetic acids (HAA9) – 7.23 ppb (121×)
  6. Nitrate – 2.87 ppm (20×)
  7. Radium (combined 226 & 228) – 1.88 pCi/L (38×)
  8. Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) – 8.71 ppb (58×)
  9. Dichloroacetic acid – 1.91 ppb (9.6×)
  10. Total PFOS and PFOA – 0.314 ppt (45×)

Key Notes on Water Findings:

  • Disinfection byproducts such as TTHMs, HAA5, and HAA9 are consistently present at levels above EWG’s recommended health limits and are linked to increased cancer risk.
  • PFAS (forever chemicals) like PFOS and PFOA were detected at levels far exceeding the 0.007 ppt guideline, raising concerns about immune, reproductive, and developmental toxicity.
  • Nitrate and chromium-6 reflect agricultural and industrial activity and are associated with developmental harm and cancer.
  • Radium, a naturally occurring radioactive contaminant, was detected at levels 38× higher than EWG’s health guideline.
  • Brookfield’s water meets federal legal standards, but the EWG flags it as potentially hazardous for long-term consumption without proper filtration. A multi-stage reverse osmosis system is highly recommended.
View the EWG.org report for Brookfield

Solutions to Common Issues

Choosing the Right Water Treatment for Your Home

Not all water is the same and neither are the solutions. Whether your water comes from a city supply or a private well, it can carry different minerals, chemicals, or contaminants that affect your home and health.

That’s why it’s important to look at all four key options:

Water softeners for hard water problems

Whole house filters for chlorine, odors, and sediment

Reverse osmosis systems for safe, great-tasting drinking water

Iron filters for rust stains and rotten egg smells

Your water source and the issues it brings will help determine which system (or combination) is right for you.

Water Softener

Hard water has minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause issues around your home. A water softener removes them for cleaner, better-feeling water.

Hard water can:

  • Leave spots on dishes
  • Make soap and shampoo less effective
  • Cause buildup on faucets and showerheads
  • Shorten the life of appliances
  • Dry out your skin and hair

A water softener:

  • Removes hard minerals
  • Helps soap work better
  • Protects appliances
  • Makes water feel soft on skin

If you see signs of hard water, a softener is a smart fix.

Water Softeners

Drinking Water System

Even if your tap water looks clean, it can still contain dissolved solids, chemicals, or contaminants you don’t want to drink. Reverse osmosis gives you highly purified water, right at the tap.

Unfiltered drinking water can have:

  • Chlorine, lead, or other chemicals
  • Nitrates, fluoride, or heavy metals
  • Cloudiness or bad taste
  • Pollutants from old pipes or plumbing

A reverse osmosis system:

  • Removes up to 99% of contaminants
  • Improves taste, clarity, and odor
  • Gives you bottled-quality water at home
  • Fits neatly under the kitchen sink

If you want cleaner, safer, better-tasting drinking water, RO is the gold standard.

Drinking Water Systems

Need an Iron Filter

If your water leaves orange stains or smells like metal or rotten eggs, iron could be the problem. An iron filter removes it before it damages your home.

Iron in water can:

  • Leave orange or brown stains in sinks, tubs, and toilets
  • Make water smell metallic or like rotten eggs (if sulfur is present)
  • Clog plumbing and damage appliances
  • Affect the taste of your water and food
  • Turn laundry yellow or dingy

An iron filter:

  • Removes iron, manganese, and sulfur odors
  • Protects pipes, water heaters, and fixtures
  • Stops staining and metallic smells
  • Keeps water clear and fresh

If your water looks rusty or smells off, an iron filter can make a big difference.

Whole House Water Filter

Tap water can carry things you don’t want—like chlorine, sediment, rust, or even odd tastes and smells. A whole house filter cleans the water before it reaches any faucet.

Unfiltered water can:

  • Smell or taste bad
  • Leave stains in sinks, tubs, and toilets
  • Carry chlorine or other chemicals
  • Irritate skin or worsen allergies
  • Let sediment build up in pipes and appliances 

A whole house filter:

  • Removes chlorine, rust, dirt, and odors
  • Improves water taste and smell
  • Protects pipes, fixtures, and appliances
  • Provides clean water from every tap
Iron Filters & Whole Home Systems
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Expert Advice, Exacting Science.

Get a Free Water Test in Brookfield

Wondering what’s in your water? Schedule a free in-home water test and get professional insight into your home’s water quality. Our local team will test your water and recommend the right solution based on your results.

No pressure. Just clear answers and better water.

Call (262) 549-7733 or use our easy online scheduler now!

Why Brookfield Homeowners Choose Water Doctors

Don’t leave your family’s health to chance. Water Doctors offers free in-home water testing for Brookfield, WI homeowners, using certified labs and expert analysis to identify problems and recommend targeted solutions. Whether you’re worried about hard water, strange smells, or long-term exposure to harmful contaminants, our team is here to help. We offer tailored systems—like softeners, reverse osmosis, and whole-home filters—backed by science and years of experience. Schedule your free water test today and take the first step toward safer, cleaner water for your home.
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