Is Brodhead, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Brodhead ranks. What to do next ↓
96.8/100
waterverge.com Brodhead, WI — Water Quality Report
Brodhead's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,216 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Brodhead's water
Brodhead ranks #3 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Brodhead relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Brodhead may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brodhead, WI water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Brodhead's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,216 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Brodhead
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brodhead's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3249). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brodhead's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Brodhead's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Green County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Sugar River.
Where does Brodhead's water come from?
Brodhead's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,216 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sugar River (river).
What Brodhead residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Brodhead's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Brodhead
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Brodhead, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KUHN N.A. INC. BRODHEAD, WI53520 | Manganese | 3 | 0.5 mi |
GRANDE CHEESE CO JUDA JUDA, WI53550 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
GRANDE CUSTOM INGREDIENTS JUDA, WI53550 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Green County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Brodhead compares by contaminant
Explore where Brodhead ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brodhead's water comes from
Brodhead's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,216 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Brodhead
Brodhead is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Brodhead
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRODHEAD WATERWORKS | WI1230072 | 3,216 | GW |
How Brodhead compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Brodhead's score of 96.8/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Brodhead, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brodhead's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Green
Frequently asked questions
Is Brodhead, WI tap water safe to drink?
Brodhead's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #3 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Brodhead's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Brodhead's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Brodhead?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brodhead's water come from?
Brodhead's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,216 residents.
Is Brodhead's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Brodhead uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 2 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Brodhead's water compare to other cities?
Brodhead ranks #3 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 99% of state cities) and #144 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Brodhead's small water system affect quality?
Brodhead's system serves approximately 3,216 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 2 violations on record.