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What Homeowners Need to Know

Water Quality in New Berlin, Wisconsin

New Berlin, WI is a fast-growing suburb located between Milwaukee and Waukesha. Its drinking water supply is drawn from multiple deep municipal wells and some surface water sources. These aquifers are known to contain naturally occurring radium, strontium, and manganese, all of which can be hazardous to health in elevated concentrations. In some neighborhoods, water is treated and distributed by the Oak Creek Water Utility.

In addition to city water customers, New Berlin has many homes with private wells, particularly in western and rural sections of the community. These wells may face issues like iron, sulfur, nitrates, and bacteria, especially where agricultural runoff is a factor. Municipal water is chlorinated and fluoridated, but testing shows it can still contain elevated levels of nitrates, disinfection byproducts, and radium that exceed EWG health guidelines. Whether from city or well water, many homeowners in New Berlin are investing in filtration and regular water testing to reduce health risks.
Water Quality in New Berlin Wisconsin
Know what’s in your Cedarburg WI tap water – EWG water quality awareness graphic

Contaminants of Concern in New Berlin’s Water

EWG.org Research (via ZIP Code for New Berlin, WI – 53151)

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) collects and publishes public water utility data across the U.S. to show consumers what’s in their tap water—beyond what’s legally allowed. For New Berlin, WI, EWG reports 30 total contaminants, with 10 exceeding health-based guidelines. This highlights the gap between federal safety regulations and health-based science, especially for families with children or immune concerns.

  • Total contaminants exceeding health guidelines: 10

Top 10 Contaminants Detected (with tested levels):

  1. Radium (-226 & -228 combined) – 1.24 pCi/L (25× EWG guideline)
  2. Nitrate – 3.85 ppm (27×)
  3. Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) – 24.6 ppb (164×)
  4. Haloacetic acids (HAA5) – 10.1 ppb (101×)
  5. Chromium (hexavalent) – 0.22 ppb (11×)
  6. Chloroform – 6.7 ppb (22×)
  7. Bromodichloromethane – 1.9 ppb (32×)
  8. Dibromochloromethane – 2.1 ppb (21×)
  9. Vanadium – 0.3 ppb (10×)
  10. Strontium – 770 ppb (no national standard)
  • Key Notes on Water Findings: Radium levels in New Berlin’s groundwater exceed health guidelines and are linked to increased cancer risks. The city also struggles with disinfection byproducts like TTHMs and HAA5, as well as nitrates, which are harmful to infants and pregnant women. Homeowners should consider point-of-entry or under-sink filtration for drinking water safety.
View the EWG.org report for New Berlin

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 New Berlin

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 New Berlin Homeowners Choose Water Doctors

Water Doctors proudly serves New Berlin, WI with free in-home water testing and tailored solutions for your home’s specific needs. Whether your water comes from the city or a private well, our certified team provides lab-tested results and custom treatment options—including softeners, filters, and reverse osmosis systems. We help you identify problems and recommend proven strategies for cleaner, safer water. Don’t wait for symptoms—schedule your water test today and take proactive steps toward better water quality.
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