Is Wales, 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 ↓
68.8/100
waterverge.com Wales, WI — Water Quality Report
Wales's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 624 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 226 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wales's water
Wales ranks #357 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Wales 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, Wales may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wales, WI water safe to drink?
Wales's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 624 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wales
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wales's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4892). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Wales's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wales's water system has 226 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 6 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, Fox River, Mukwonago River.
Where does Wales's water come from?
Wales's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 624 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), Fox River (river), Mukwonago River (river).
What Wales residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wales'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.
Wales'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 Wales
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wales, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 89 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
METALTEK INTERNATIONAL-WISCO NSIN CENTRIFUGAL DIV WAUKESHA, WI53188 | Copper | 64 | 7.4 mi |
NORTHERN STAINLESS CORP PEWAUKEE, WI53072 | Copper | 15 | 8.0 mi |
WAUKESHA FOUNDRY INC WAUKESHA, WI53186 | Copper compounds | 9 | 8.1 mi |
CASTALLOY INC. WAUKESHA, WI53189 | Manganese | 1 | 6.7 mi |
TECHNIPLAS NASHOTAH, WI53058 | — | — | 6.8 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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wales compares by contaminant
Explore where Wales ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wales's water comes from
Wales'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 624 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Wales
Wales is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wales
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRANDYBROOK SUBDIVISION | WI2682639 | 474 | GW |
| LINCOLNSHIRE PLACE | WI2686481 | 100 | GW |
| HILLS OF WALES APTS | WI2680236 | 50 | GW |
How Wales compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Wales's score of 68.8/100 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 Wales, WI
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wales's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Waukesha
Frequently asked questions
Is Wales, WI tap water safe to drink?
Wales's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #357 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Wales's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 226 violations are on record.
How is Wales'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 Wales?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wales's water come from?
Wales's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 624 residents.
What health violations has Wales's water system had?
Wales has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wales's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wales 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 226 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 Wales's water compare to other cities?
Wales ranks #357 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 20% of state cities) and #11026 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.