Racine County, Wisconsin: drinking water report. Racine County on Lake Michigan's western shore has a population of about 197,000.
Racine County on Lake Michigan's western shore has a population of about 197,000. The cities of Racine and Burlington draw from Lake Michigan and deep wells respectively, while unincorporated areas rely on private wells. The county's industrial history – manufacturing auto parts, agricultural equipment, and chemicals – has left contamination in soil and groundwater across several sites.
Racine's Lake Michigan supply delivers relatively clean source water, but the distribution system's age introduces risk. According to the Wisconsin DNR's 2024 Lead and Copper Rule data, Racine's 90th percentile lead level was 7 ppb – below the action level but reflecting the city's aging housing stock with lead service lines. The city has been replacing lead service lines under a state-mandated program.
The EPA's UCMR5 data shows PFAS detections in both the Racine and Burlington systems. The former Horlick Malted Milk factory site and several industrial properties along the Root River have documented groundwater contamination. A 2024 Wisconsin DHS report found PFAS above the state's groundwater enforcement standard of 20 ppt at two monitoring points in the county.
Racine residents on the Lake Michigan supply face a lead-in-distribution concern similar to other Great Lakes cities with aging infrastructure. Running taps before drinking and using a certified filter are the standard precautions.
Check your water for data specific to your system. For lead, a pitcher or faucet filter certified to NSF 53 is the simplest approach. For PFAS, reverse osmosis adds broader protection. Our water filter guide covers both scenarios. Pull your detailed report for historical data, and visit our Wisconsin page for statewide context.