Is Bassett, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.1/100
waterverge.com Bassett, NE — Water Quality Report
Bassett's drinking water received a grade of A (90.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 11 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Bassett's water
Bassett ranks #71 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Bassett relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Bassett may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bassett, NE water safe to drink?
Bassett's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bassett
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bassett's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Bassett's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bassett's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rock County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Long Pine Creek Near Riverview, Nebr..
Where does Bassett's water come from?
Bassett's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 700 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Long Pine Creek Near Riverview, Nebr. (river).
What Bassett residents can do
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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRock County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Rock County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bassett compares by contaminant
Explore where Bassett ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bassett's water comes from
Bassett's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bassett
Bassett is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bassett
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BASSETT, CITY OF | NE3114902 | 700 | GW |
How Bassett compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Bassett's score of 90.1/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Bassett, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bassett's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rock
Frequently asked questions
Is Bassett, NE tap water safe to drink?
Bassett's water quality earned a grade of A (90.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #71 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Bassett's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Bassett'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 Bassett?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bassett's water come from?
Bassett's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 700 residents.
What health violations has Bassett's water system had?
Bassett has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Bassett's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bassett 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 11 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 Bassett's water compare to other cities?
Bassett ranks #71 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 65% of state cities) and #2424 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bassett's small water system affect quality?
Bassett's system serves approximately 700 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 11 violations on record.