Is Alda, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.1/100
waterverge.com Alda, NE — Water Quality Report
Alda's drinking water received a grade of B (79.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 737 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 60 violations on record, including 40 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Alda's water
Alda ranks #169 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Alda purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Alda may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alda, NE water safe to drink?
Alda's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 737 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Alda
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alda's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3245). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alda's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Alda's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 40 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hall County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Wood River At Grand Island, Nebr..
Where does Alda's water come from?
Alda's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 737 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wood River At Grand Island, Nebr. (river).
What Alda residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Alda's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Alda's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Alda
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Alda, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHIEF INDUSTRIES - FABRICATION DIV GRAND ISLAND, NE68801 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
PLATTE GENERATING STATION GRAND ISLAND, NE68801 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC GRAND ISLAND, NE68803 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
GERHOLD CONCRETE CO GRAND ISLAND PLANT GRAND ISLAND, NE68803 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
HORNADY MANUFACTURING CO GRAND ISLAND, NE68803 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Alda
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CORNHUSKER ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT4.1 mi
- PARKVIEW WELL5.7 mi
- CLEBURN STREET WELL7.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHall County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Hall County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Alda's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.55 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alda compares by contaminant
Explore where Alda ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alda's water comes from
Alda purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Alda's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 737 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Alda
Alda is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Alda
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALDA, VILLAGE OF | NE3107909 | 652 | GWP |
| PRAIRIE WEST MOBILE HOME PARK | NE3107908 | 60 | GW |
| TRAVEL CENTERS OF AMERICA #193 | NE3150294 | 25 | GW |
How Alda compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Alda's score of 79.1/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Alda, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alda's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hall
Frequently asked questions
Is Alda, NE tap water safe to drink?
Alda's water quality earned a grade of B (79.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #169 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Alda's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Alda's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Alda?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alda's water come from?
Alda's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 737 residents.
What health violations has Alda's water system had?
Alda has 40 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Alda's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alda uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 60 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Alda's water compare to other cities?
Alda ranks #169 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 16% of state cities) and #8395 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.