Is Brownsville, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.3/100
waterverge.com Brownsville, WI — Water Quality Report
Brownsville's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 630 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 15 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Brownsville's water
Brownsville ranks #222 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Brownsville 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, Brownsville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brownsville, WI water safe to drink?
Brownsville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 630 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Brownsville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brownsville's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brownsville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Brownsville's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Brownsville's water come from?
Brownsville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 630 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Brownsville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Brownsville's water.
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.
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 Brownsville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Brownsville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 60,348 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRANDE CHEESE CO BROWNSVILLE BROWNSVILLE, WI53006 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 60,348 | 2.3 mi |
KONDEX CORP LOMIRA, WI53048 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
QUAD/GRAPHICS INC. LOMIRA, WI53048 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
GLEASON REEL MAYVILLE, WI53050 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
METALCRAFT OF MAYVILLE MAYVILLE, WI53050 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Brownsville compares by contaminant
Explore where Brownsville ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brownsville's water comes from
Brownsville'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 630 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Brownsville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BROWNSVILLE WATERWORKS | WI1140139 | 630 | GW |
How Brownsville compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Brownsville's score of 82.3/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Brownsville, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brownsville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dodge
Frequently asked questions
Is Brownsville, WI tap water safe to drink?
Brownsville's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #222 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Brownsville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Brownsville'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 Brownsville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brownsville's water come from?
Brownsville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 630 residents.
What health violations has Brownsville's water system had?
Brownsville has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Brownsville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Brownsville 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 15 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 Brownsville's water compare to other cities?
Brownsville ranks #222 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 50% of state cities) and #7066 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Brownsville's small water system affect quality?
Brownsville's system serves approximately 630 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 15 violations on record.