Is Battle Creek, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
90.9/100
waterverge.com Battle Creek, NE — Water Quality Report
Battle Creek's drinking water received a grade of A (90.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,194 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 15 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Battle Creek's water
Battle Creek ranks #62 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Battle Creek 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, Battle Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Battle Creek, NE water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Battle Creek's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (90.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,194 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Battle Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Battle Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1902). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Battle Creek'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
Battle Creek's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 7 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 North Fork Elkhorn River Near Pierce, Nebr..
Where does Battle Creek's water come from?
Battle Creek's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,194 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Elkhorn River Near Pierce, Nebr. (river).
What Battle Creek 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.
Battle Creek'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 Battle Creek
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Battle Creek, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CONTITECH USA LLC NORFOLK, NE68701 | Zinc compounds | 2 | 7.8 mi |
GERHOLD CONCRETE CO NORFOLK PLANT NORFOLK, NE68701 | Lead | 0 | 9.9 mi |
ACTUS NUTRITION-NORFOLK NORFOLK, NE68701 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
NUCOR CORP-VULCRAFT/NUCOR COLD FINISH DIV NORFOLK, NE68701 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
WEILAND INC NORFOLK, NE68701 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Battle Creek
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.
- SHERWOOD MEDICAL CO9.1 mi
- IOWA NEBRASKA LIGHT POWER CO9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMadison 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
Madison County has experienced 7 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 Battle Creek'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.79 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.790 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Battle Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Battle Creek ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Battle Creek's water comes from
Battle Creek'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 1,194 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Battle Creek
Battle Creek is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Battle Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BATTLE CREEK, CITY OF | NE3111915 | 1,194 | GW |
How Battle Creek compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Battle Creek's score of 90.9/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Battle Creek, NE
Wikipedia →Battle Creek is a city in Madison County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Norfolk Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,194 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Battle Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Battle Creek, NE tap water safe to drink?
Battle Creek's water quality earned a grade of A (90.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #62 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Battle Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Battle Creek'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 Battle Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Battle Creek's water come from?
Battle Creek's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,194 residents.
What health violations has Battle Creek's water system had?
Battle Creek has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Battle Creek's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Battle Creek 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 15 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 Battle Creek's water compare to other cities?
Battle Creek ranks #62 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 69% of state cities) and #1984 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Battle Creek's small water system affect quality?
Battle Creek's system serves approximately 1,194 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 15 violations on record.