Baraboo citizens can gulp their tap water without fear, the city’s Water Utility says in its annual report.

The four-page report showed up recently in the mailboxes of city residents, and details the results of state mandated tests of water from the city’s five wells.

The city tests for certain contaminants on a three-year rotating basis, testing a few of the contaminants each year, said Utility Superintendent Terry Kramer.

For each contaminant, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets maximum levels. If tests reveal those levels have been exceeded on average, a municipality must take corrective action.

"All in all, I guess if you look at what was detected and the ranges allowed we came out in good shape," Kramer said.

The report shows 18 contaminants have been found in Baraboo’s water, but none at average levels that are deemed dangerous by federal standards.

A sample from one Baraboo home revealed lead levels just above the EPA’s maximum limit. But the average of all 31 homes tested was below the level that would require corrective action, Kramer said.

"As we redo streets we do try to eliminate lead services," he said.

The city adds to its water chlorine as a disinfectant, fluoride to promote healthy teeth, and a phosphate that controls lead and copper exposure.