Is Dousman, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 19 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
62.4/100
waterverge.com Dousman, WI — Water Quality Report
Dousman's drinking water received a grade of C (62.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,005 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 12 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dousman's water
Dousman ranks #378 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Dousman 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, Dousman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dousman, WI water safe to drink?
Dousman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,005 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dousman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dousman's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4892). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
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 Dousman's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dousman's water system has 74 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Waukesha 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 Bark River.
Where does Dousman's water come from?
Dousman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,005 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bark River (river).
What Dousman residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dousman'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.
Dousman'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 Dousman
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dousman, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TECHNIPLAS NASHOTAH, WI53058 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
PREMOLD CORP OCONOMOWOC, WI53066 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
VORTEQ COIL FINISHERS OCONOMOWOC, WI53066 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
ACE PRECISION OCONOMOWOC, WI53066 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS INC-EAGLE EAGLE, WI53119 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Waukesha 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. | 0.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dousman compares by contaminant
Explore where Dousman ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dousman's water comes from
Dousman'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 3,005 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Dousman
Dousman is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dousman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOUSMAN WATER UTILITY | WI2680197 | 2,350 | GW |
| TREMAIN MOBILE HOME PARK | WI1280127 | 475 | GW |
| LAD LAKE | WI2680195 | 180 | GW |
How Dousman compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Dousman's score of 62.4/100 is on par with the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Dousman, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dousman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Waukesha
Frequently asked questions
Is Dousman, WI tap water safe to drink?
Dousman's water quality earned a grade of C (62.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #378 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Dousman's water?
Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 74 violations are on record.
How is Dousman'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 Dousman?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dousman's water come from?
Dousman's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,005 residents.
What health violations has Dousman's water system had?
Dousman has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dousman's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dousman 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 Dousman's water compare to other cities?
Dousman ranks #378 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 15% of state cities) and #11884 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.