Is Hales Corners, 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 ↓
68.4/100
waterverge.com Hales Corners, WI — Water Quality Report
Hales Corners's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 600 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 53 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hales Corners's water
Hales Corners ranks #361 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Hales Corners 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, Hales Corners may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hales Corners, WI water safe to drink?
Hales Corners's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 600 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hales Corners
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hales Corners's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4892). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4477). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hales Corners's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hales Corners's water system has 53 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Milwaukee County has experienced 8 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 Underwood Creek, Honey Creek, Menomonee River, Wilson Park Creek @ Gmia Outfall 7 @ Milwaukee,Wi, Holmes Ave Crk Trib @ Gmia Outfall 1.
Where does Hales Corners's water come from?
Hales Corners's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 600 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Underwood Creek (river), Honey Creek (river), Menomonee River (river), Wilson Park Creek @ Gmia Outfall 7 @ Milwaukee,Wi (river), Holmes Ave Crk Trib @ Gmia Outfall 1 (river).
What Hales Corners residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hales Corners'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.
Hales Corners'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 Hales Corners
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hales Corners, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 215 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
UNIT DROP FORGE CO. INC. WEST ALLIS, WI53234 | Chromium | 155 | 5.6 mi |
GREDE HOLDINGS LLC WAUWATOSA, WI53213 | Nickel | 36 | 7.7 mi |
MAYNARD STEEL CASTING CO MILWAUKEE, WI53215 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 12 | 6.3 mi |
WAUKESHA FOUNDRY INC WAUKESHA, WI53186 | Copper compounds | 9 | 9.4 mi |
WPC TECHNOLOGIES OAK CREEK, WI53154 | Zinc compounds | 3 | 6.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Hales Corners
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- MUSKEGO SANITARY LANDFILL7.5 mi
- WASTE MANAGEMENT OF WISCONSIN INC BROOKFIELD SANITARY LANDFILL8.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Milwaukee County has experienced 8 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 Hales Corners compares by contaminant
Explore where Hales Corners ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hales Corners's water comes from
Hales Corners'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 private ownership and serves approximately 600 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hales Corners
Hales Corners is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hales Corners
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HALES HAPPINESS SUBDIVISION | WI2410575 | 400 | GW |
| WHITNALL GARDEN APARTMENTS | WI2410918 | 200 | GW |
How Hales Corners compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Hales Corners's score of 68.4/100 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 Hales Corners, WI
Wikipedia →Hales Corners is a village in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 7,720 at the 2020 census. A suburb of Milwaukee, it is part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hales Corners's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Milwaukee
Frequently asked questions
Is Hales Corners, WI tap water safe to drink?
Hales Corners's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #361 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Hales Corners's water?
Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 53 violations are on record.
How is Hales Corners'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 Hales Corners?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hales Corners's water come from?
Hales Corners's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 600 residents.
What health violations has Hales Corners's water system had?
Hales Corners has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hales Corners's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hales Corners 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 53 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 Hales Corners's water compare to other cities?
Hales Corners ranks #361 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 19% of state cities) and #11084 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.