Water system

Medford Waterworks

B
Wisconsin EPA ID WI8610125 4,318 people Groundwater

What this means for you

Is it safe to drink right now?
Based on the latest EPA data, Medford Waterworks has no unresolved health-based violations from the past year. Water that meets federal standards is generally considered safe to drink for most healthy people.
Should I use a filter?
Optional. Nothing in this data strongly calls for one. Many people still filter for chlorine taste and odor.
What kind of filter?
For taste and odor (chlorine/chloramine), an NSF/ANSI 42 pitcher or faucet filter is enough. See matched standards and product picks.

This is general information from public EPA data, not medical advice. Lead often comes from a home’s own pipes, so only a test of your tap can tell your exposure. If you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor or health department.

Summary: No health-based violations in the last 5 years; 26 monitoring/reporting violations; PFAS tested (UCMR 5), none above federal limits; Lead 90th percentile below the action level (2023).
EPA data snapshot 2026Q3. Grade is TapWaterZip's own score — see methods.

PFAS (“forever chemicals”), EPA UCMR 5

ChemicalHighest location averageHighest single sampleFederal limitDetections/samples
PFOA2.1 ppt4.1 ppt4 ppt1/12
PFBA2.7 ppt5.4 pptnone1/12
PFHxS4.2 ppt5.2 ppt10 ppt (proposed repeal)2/12
3 PFAS tested and not detected

PFOS, HFPO-DA, PFNA (12 samples each, below EPA minimum reporting levels).

Hazard Index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS): 0.42 (limit 1.0, proposed for repeal).

Averages are per sampling location across UCMR 5 samples (non-detects counted as 0), approximating the rule’s running annual average. Not an official compliance determination; PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance begins April 26, 2029.

Lead and copper

Lead 90th percentile2.8 ppb2023-09-30
Current action level15 ppbLCRI lowers to 10 ppb on Nov 1, 2027

Violations (last 5 years)

BeganTypeContaminant / ruleStatus
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reporting1,2-DichloroethaneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingDICHLOROMETHANEArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reporting1,1,2-TrichloroethaneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingCHLOROBENZENEArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingBenzeneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingCarbon tetrachlorideArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingTolueneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingcis-1,2-DichloroethyleneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingtrans-1,2-DichloroethyleneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingRadium-226Archived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingStyreneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingCombined Radium (-226 and -228)Archived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reporting1,1-DichloroethyleneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reporting1,1,1-TrichloroethaneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingEthylbenzeneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingVinyl chlorideArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingRadium-228Archived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reporting1,2,4-TrichlorobenzeneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reporting1,2-DichloropropaneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingTrichloroethyleneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingp-DichlorobenzeneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingCombined UraniumArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingGross Alpha, Excl. Radon and UArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingo-DichlorobenzeneArchived
2026-04-01Missed or late testing/reportingTetrachloroethyleneArchived

Filters matched to this water

FILTER PICKS

Look for filters certified (NSF, IAPMO or WQA) to these standards for the specific contaminant. Buttons open the maker’s page or an Amazon search; use “Check NSF listing” to verify a model’s claims. No affiliate links yet — grades are never sold.

PFOA

NSF/ANSI 53 (PFOA/PFOS claim)NSF/ANSI 58 (RO)
Aquasana Claryum or OptimH2O (PFAS claim) ~$100–350
Aquasana under-sink lineup; must list PFOA/PFOS on the certificate — check before buying.
View on Aquasana →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Clearly Filtered Pitcher (PFAS claim) ~$110
Pitcher option with published PFAS reduction claims; verify NSF/IAPMO listing.
View on Clearly Filtered →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Waterdrop G3 / G3P600 RO ~$300–500
Tankless RO; RO broadly reduces nitrate, fluoride, arsenic and many PFAS — confirm the certificate lists yours.
Search on Amazon →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure

PFAS (other)

NSF/ANSI 58 (RO, total PFAS claim)NSF/ANSI 53 (check claim)
RO system with total-PFAS claim ~$300–600
Prefer units whose NSF/ANSI 58 listing covers total PFAS or named PFAS.
Search on Amazon →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Certified filter (check contaminant list) varies
Open the NSF listing and confirm the exact chemical before you buy.
Search on Amazon →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure

Chlorine/chloramine taste

NSF/ANSI 42
Aquasana Clean Water Pitcher ~$35
Pitcher for chlorine taste/odor; check the NSF/ANSI 42 listing for the exact model.
Search on Amazon →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Brita Elite Filter ~$20–40
Common faucet/pitcher option; confirm the 42 claim on the box.
View on Brita →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure

Annual water quality report

Utilities must publish a Consumer Confidence Report every year by July 1. Find it on the utility’s website or ask them directly; EPA explains how.

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