WaterQ

Nebraska Tap Water Quality Rankings 2026: 5th in Nation | WaterQ

Alex Carter
By Alex Carter
Water Quality Researcher ยท Published 2026-06-23

Nebraska's drinking water quality ranks 5th out of 50 states, earning an overall grade of A with an average score of 91. This high ranking reflects strong performance across the state's 140 public water systems, which serve a population of approximately 1,590,602 residents. However, managing water quality remains an ongoing effort, as evidenced by a total of 4,176 recorded violations.

Key Findings for Nebraska

Reviewing EPA SDWIS data for 2026, here's what defines Nebraska's water quality landscape:

  • As a major agricultural region in the Great Plains, Nebraska's groundwater can be susceptible to nitrate runoff from fertilizer applications on crop fields.
  • Because the state's drinking water is highly groundwater-dependent, natural geological formations in the region can release elements like arsenic into the aquifers over time.
  • Public water systems must manage potential microbial contaminants, such as Total Coliform bacteria, which can enter groundwater supplies through agricultural runoff or aging well infrastructure.

Most Common Contaminants in Nebraska

Here's what Nebraska residents should know about the contaminants most relevant to their water:

Nitrate

Commonly associated with fertilizer runoff in agricultural regions, nitrate can leach into groundwater aquifers, which serve as the primary drinking water source for many communities.

Arsenic

This naturally occurring semi-metallic element can dissolve from rocks and soil into groundwater, particularly in the western Great Plains region.

Total Coliform

These bacteria serve as indicators of potential microbial contamination in water systems, often entering groundwater through agricultural activities or failing well structures.

Nebraska's Best and Worst Cities for Water Quality

For detailed information on local water quality, residents can view the comprehensive city-by-city breakdown on the Nebraska state page. This data includes specific testing results and compliance histories for individual public water systems across the state. Explore the full breakdown on our Nebraska water systems page.

What Nebraska Residents Should Do

Given Nebraska's 5th place ranking, here's what matters most for residents:

  1. Search your local water system's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to check for recent testing results and compliance history.
  2. If you rely on a private well for drinking water, test it annually for nitrate, bacteria, and naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic.
  3. Consider using an NSF-certified water filtration system that is rated to target the specific contaminants identified in your local water supply.
  4. Review the EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database to monitor violation patterns for your utility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Nebraska water quality compare to other states?

Nebraska ranks 5th out of 50 states for its drinking water quality, receiving an average score of 91 and an overall grade of A. While this indicates that Nebraska's public water systems generally maintain high standards, compliance challenges still exist, as shown by the 4,176 recorded violations across the state.

What are the most common contaminants in Nebraska tap water?

The most common contaminants of concern in Nebraska tap water include nitrate, arsenic, and total coliform bacteria. Due to the state's agricultural economy and reliance on groundwater, these substances can leach into aquifers from fertilizer runoff, natural soil erosion, or microbial intrusion.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Nebraska?

Generally, yes, as Nebraska has earned an A grade and ranks 5th in the nation, indicating that public water supplies are highly reliable. However, because water quality can vary by local system and private wells are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, residents should verify their local system's records and consider testing their home's water.

Source: EPA SDWIS 2026 Compliance Data and WaterQ National Database. For more information on our ranking process, visit our state rankings page.