A
86

US Water Score: A

Sheboygan, WI 53081

Sheboygan County · Population served: 49,931 · Data updated July 2026

Service-area evidence: EPA service-area records associate the listed system with this ZIP. Boundaries may still overlap or change.

Water Systems Serving This Area

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SHEBOYGAN WATER UTILITIES
Surface water · Pop. 49,931
PWSID: WI4600354
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SHEBOYGAN TN WATERWORKS
Groundwater · Pop. 4,596
PWSID: WI4600403
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ROCKY KNOLL HEALTH CARE FAC
Groundwater · Pop. 564
PWSID: WI4600447

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
2.9
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning
Copper
2050.0
1300 ppb 300 ppb

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

4 detected 1 above comparison value

UCMR5 occurrence results are screening information, not a finding of regulatory compliance or noncompliance. PFAS rules and compliance dates are evolving.

CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFHxS12.0 ppt10 ppt10 pptAbove comparison value
PFPeA4.4 pptNo standardNo federal MCL shown
PFBS4.2 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow comparison value
PFHxA3.2 pptNo standard400 pptNo federal MCL shown

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

1Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
0Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Sheboygan

Tap water quality in Sheboygan, Wisconsin (53081) receives an overall grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 86 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 14 points above the Wisconsin state average of 72. Compared to the national average (75), this area performs significantly better. The area is served by 3 water systems providing water to approximately 49,931 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Notably, 1 PFAS compound exceeds the EPA final MCL value used for comparison — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals.

Your Score 86/100 A
vs State 14 pts above Wisconsin avg (72)
vs National 11 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade A Means

A score of 86/100 means public water-system records for Sheboygan, WI show relatively few concerns in the US Water Score model. This is an internal score, not an EPA safety rating, and it does not guarantee conditions at any specific tap.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

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Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

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Copper in Your Water

Copper can leach into water from copper plumbing, especially in newer homes or when water is acidic.

Health Effects

Short-term exposure above 1,300 ppb can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure may cause liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are especially vulnerable.

Common Sources

Copper pipes, fittings, and faucets are the most common source. Corrosive (low-pH) water accelerates copper leaching.

What You Can Do

If copper levels are elevated, flush pipes by running water for 15–30 seconds before use. Reverse osmosis and distillation systems effectively remove copper.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on public water-system records, Sheboygan, Wisconsin receives an internal US Water Score grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 86/100. This indicates relatively few system-level concerns in our model, but it is not an EPA safety rating and does not guarantee tap conditions inside individual homes.

ZIP code 53081 is served by 3 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 49,931 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

Lead was reported at 2.9 ppb in public-system records for Sheboygan, Wisconsin. This is below the currently applicable EPA action level of 15 ppb, but may be above more protective health guidance; EPA's future LCRI action level is 10 ppb. Household plumbing can materially change tap-level exposure, so consider certified filtration and individual tap testing, especially where children are present.

Yes — 4 PFAS compounds were detected in records associated with water serving Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and 1 result exceeded the numerical EPA MCL value used for comparison. UCMR5 occurrence results alone are not a regulatory compliance determination. PFAS rules and compliance timelines are evolving; verify current information with the utility and EPA.

Water systems serving Sheboygan, Wisconsin have received 1 violation in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS, copper), residents in Sheboygan, Wisconsin should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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