Is Cambridge, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.3/100
waterverge.com Cambridge, WI — Water Quality Report
Cambridge's drinking water received a grade of B (76.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,886 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 74 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cambridge's water
Cambridge ranks #311 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Cambridge 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, Cambridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cambridge, WI water safe to drink?
Cambridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,886 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cambridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cambridge's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Cambridge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cambridge's water system has 74 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dane County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Lake Koshkonong.
Where does Cambridge's water come from?
Cambridge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 1,886 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lake Koshkonong (lake).
What Cambridge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cambridge'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.
Cambridge'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 Cambridge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cambridge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MPI ENGINEERED TECHNOLOGIES LLC DEERFIELD, WI53531 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
MPI - WIS FINEBLANKING DIV DEERFIELD, WI53531 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
FIBERDOME PRODUCTS LLC PLANT 2 LAKE MILLS, WI53551 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Dane County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cambridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Cambridge ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cambridge's water comes from
Cambridge'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 1,886 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Cambridge
Cambridge is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cambridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMBRIDGE WATER & SEWER UTILITY | WI1130074 | 1,638 | GW |
| BREEZY KNOLL COMMUNITY | WI1280120 | 116 | GW |
| RIPVIEW COURT 1 | WI1280121 | 35 | GW |
| RIPVIEW COURT 4 | WI1280125 | 35 | GW |
| RIPVIEW COURT 3 | WI1280123 | 31 | GW |
| RIPVIEW COURT 2 | WI1280122 | 31 | GW |
How Cambridge compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Cambridge's score of 76.3/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Cambridge, WI
Wikipedia →Cambridge is a village in Dane and Jefferson counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 1,638 at the 2020 census, of which 1,539 were in Dane County and 99 were in Jefferson County. The Dane County portion is part of the Madison Metropolitan Area and the Jefferson County portion a part of the Watertown–Fort Atkinson micropolitan statistical area, which itself is part of the larger Milwaukee-Racine-Waukesha Combined Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cambridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dane
Frequently asked questions
Is Cambridge, WI tap water safe to drink?
Cambridge's water quality earned a grade of B (76.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #311 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Cambridge's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 74 violations are on record.
How is Cambridge'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 Cambridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cambridge's water come from?
Cambridge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 1,886 residents.
What health violations has Cambridge's water system had?
Cambridge has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cambridge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cambridge 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 74 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 Cambridge's water compare to other cities?
Cambridge ranks #311 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 30% of state cities) and #9338 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.