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What Homeowners Need to Know

Water Quality in Deforest, Wisconsin

If you live in DeForest, Wisconsin, it’s important to understand what’s really in your tap water. While the local water utility complies with federal safety limits, those standards often fall short of what health researchers recommend. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 9 contaminants in DeForest’s drinking water exceed health-based guidelines. The most concerning are nitrate and radium, both of which are linked to serious long-term health effects. Nitrate, typically introduced through agricultural runoff, is known to interfere with oxygen transport in the blood and poses elevated risks to infants and pregnant women. Radium, a naturally occurring radioactive element, is associated with bone cancer and other chronic illnesses when consumed over time.

DeForest sources its water from municipal groundwater wells that are exposed to both natural minerals and human-related pollution. Residents in the area frequently report hard water buildup on appliances and fixtures, a strong chlorine-like taste, and occasional staining of sinks and tubs. These symptoms may indicate underlying issues such as disinfection byproducts and excessive mineral content. Some homes may also be affected by elevated manganese, which is particularly risky for infants and children due to its potential neurotoxic effects. Water Doctors offers a free in-home water test tailored to DeForest’s water profile. We identify what’s in your water—and more importantly, what to do about it. Our expert team can help you take control of your home’s water quality and protect your family’s health with practical, effective solutions.
Water Quality in Deforest, Wisconsin
Know what’s in your Cedarburg WI tap water – EWG water quality awareness graphic

Contaminants of Concern in Deforest’s Water

EWG.org Research (via ZIP Code for DeForest, WI – 53532)

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), DeForest’s water utility has 25 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines. These include agricultural runoff chemicals, radioactive elements, and disinfection byproducts.

Total contaminants exceeding health guidelines: 12

Top 10 Contaminants Detected (with tested levels):

  1. Nitrate – 4.21 ppm (30× EWG guideline)
  2. Radium (-226 & -228 combined) – 1.23 pCi/L (25×)
  3. Haloacetic acids (HAA5) – 5.4 ppb (54×)
  4. Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) – 17.5 ppb (117×)
  5. Strontium – 890 ppb (no federal limit)
  6. Chromium (hexavalent) – 0.21 ppb (10×)
  7. Vanadium – 0.27 ppb (9×)
  8. Barium – 120 ppb (below legal limit, flagged by EWG)
  9. Manganese – 170 ppb (risk to infants)
  10. Chlorate – 95 ppb (unregulated, possible thyroid effects)

Key Notes on Water Findings:

  • Nitrate and radium are consistently elevated due to local geology and land use.
  • Disinfection byproducts like HAA5 and TTHMs form during chlorine treatment and are linked to bladder cancer.
  • Manganese and chlorate are flagged as concerns for neurological development in infants and young children.
  • Although water meets EPA legal limits, EWG’s more rigorous health benchmarks highlight risks to sensitive populations.
  • A point-of-use reverse osmosis system is recommended for families looking to reduce these contaminants.
View the EWG.org report for Deforest

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 Deforest

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 Deforest Homeowners Choose Water Doctors

ater testing so you can get clear answers—fast. We test for the top regional contaminants, including nitrate, radium, chlorine byproducts, and hard water minerals. Our certified technicians explain everything on the spot and recommend targeted solutions like softeners, carbon filtration, or reverse osmosis depending on your needs. With decades of experience throughout Dane County, we specialize in solving the problems your city water report doesn’t always show. Schedule your test today and take the first step toward clean, safe water.
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