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What Homeowners Need to Know

Water Quality in Burlington, Wisconsin

Burlington, WI may sit along the scenic Fox River, but its tap water deserves a closer look. Residents using city water receive water from sandstone aquifers known to contain radium and iron. Though treated, several substances remain above the health-based limits set by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Burlington’s municipal water is regularly tested and treated, yet EWG’s analysis still flags 9 contaminants above what health scientists consider safe.

Meanwhile, families relying on private wells face different risks. These include nitrate contamination, especially in areas near farmland, as well as bacteria, sulfur, and naturally occurring metals. Unlike municipal systems, private wells don’t receive routine monitoring, making homeowner testing essential. Whether you’re connected to Burlington’s city system or using a private well, there’s reason to stay informed. Contaminants that exceed health limits can pose risks for cancer, organ health, and child development. Homeowners in Burlington are increasingly turning to whole-house filters, reverse osmosis systems, and regular lab testing to ensure their drinking water is clean, safe, and reliable.
Water Quality in Burlington, Wisconsin
Know what’s in your Cedarburg WI tap water – EWG water quality awareness graphic

Contaminants of Concern in Burlington’s Water

EWG.org Research (via ZIP Code for Burlington, WI – 53105)

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzes national tap water data and compares it to health-based benchmarks. In Burlington, WI, the latest report shows 27 total contaminants, with 9 exceeding EWG’s recommended limits. This includes both natural and treatment-related compounds that may raise long-term health risks.

  • Total contaminants exceeding health guidelines: 9

Top 10 Contaminants Detected (with tested levels):

  1. Radium (-226 & -228 combined) – 1.6 pCi/L (32× EWG guideline)
  2. Nitrate – 3.7 ppm (26×)
  3. Chromium (hexavalent) – 0.2 ppb (10×)
  4. Strontium – 790 ppb (no federal limit)
  5. Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) – 23.5 ppb (157×)
  6. Haloacetic acids (HAA5) – 9.9 ppb (99×)
  7. Vanadium – 0.31 ppb (10×)
  8. Chloroform – 6.4 ppb (21×)
  9. Bromodichloromethane – 2.1 ppb (35×)
  10. PFBS – 1.1 ppt (11×)
  • Key Notes on Water Findings: The combination of natural radioactive materials, agricultural chemicals, and chlorination byproducts makes Burlington’s water a concern for long-term health. Elevated radium is a primary issue due to its cancer risk. Disinfection byproducts like TTHMs and HAA5 also exceed safe thresholds. Regular water testing and filtration are strongly advised for homes on both city and well water.
View the EWG.org report for Burlington

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:

  1. Water softeners for hard water problems
  2. Whole house filters for chlorine, odors, and sediment
  3. Reverse osmosis systems for safe, great-tasting drinking water
  4. 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

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 Burlington

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 Burlington Homeowners Choose Water Doctors

Water Doctors provides free in-home water testing for Burlington, WI residents, offering certified lab results and personalized solutions. Whether your water comes from the city system or a rural well, our experts identify the key risks and recommend the best treatment systems—from softeners and carbon filtration to reverse osmosis and well disinfection plans. With rising concerns about radioactive materials, agricultural runoff, and chemical byproducts, a proactive water quality strategy is essential. Schedule your free home water test today and take control of your water’s health.
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