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What Homeowners Need to Know

Water Quality in Pewaukee, Wisconsin

If you live in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, you’ve probably noticed the effects of hard water or unusual odors coming from your tap. Whether your home is connected to the City of Pewaukee municipal water system or uses a private well, the region’s groundwater is known for its high mineral content and naturally occurring contaminants.

Pewaukee’s water supply is drawn from deep wells in the Sand and Gravel Aquifer and the Sandstone Aquifer, both of which contribute to elevated levels of calcium, magnesium, iron, and other minerals. Homeowners throughout the area frequently deal with:

  • White scale buildup on faucets and fixtures

  • Rust staining from iron in the water

  • Rotten egg odors caused by hydrogen sulfide

  • Potential contaminants such as arsenic, manganese, PFAS, and nitrates

At Water Doctors, we provide professional water testing and customized water treatment solutions built for Pewaukee’s specific water profile. From powerful Kinetico water softeners to reverse osmosis systems and whole-home filters, we help local families enjoy clean, soft, and safe water every day.

Water Quality in Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Know what’s in your Cedarburg WI tap water – EWG water quality awareness graphic

Contaminants of Concern in Pewaukee’s Water

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that Pewaukee’s municipal water contains 18 contaminants that exceed their health-based guidelines.

Here are the top 10 contaminants detected in the Pewaukee City Water and Sewer Utility based on EWG data from 2018–2024, all of which exceed EWG’s health guidelines:

Pewaukee City Water – Top 10 Contaminants (EWG)

Contaminant Detected Level
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) 12.9 ppt
PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) 6.14 ppt
Total PFOS & PFOA 7.83 ppt
PFDA (perfluorodecanoic acid) (specific level ND)¹
Bromodichloromethane 2.74 ppb
Bromoform 1.38 ppb
Chloroform 2.41 ppb
Dibromoacetic acid 0.343 ppb
Dibromochloromethane 2.64 ppb
Dichloroacetic acid 0.483 ppb

¹ PFDA was tested in the minor utility (7 samples), but most results did not exceed health guidelines.

🔍 Notes on Key Findings:

  • Multiple PFAS (“forever chemicals”) are present, typically measured in parts per trillion even trace amounts show up as elevated in EWG’s database.

  • Disinfection byproducts (like bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform) appear frequently in EWG data common where chlorine is used for treatment.

  • All levels listed exceed EWG’s health guideline, making them important to highlight for site visitors and ad campaigns targeting “Pewaukee water quality” or “PFAS in Pewaukee.”

 

View the EWG.org report for Pewaukee

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 Pewaukee

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 Pewaukee Homeowners Choose Water Doctors

Local knowledge and experience with Pewaukee’s specific water chemistry Tailored solutions that fit a range of household needs and budgets Proven systems backed by expert installation and support
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