Is Bayard, 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 ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Bayard, NE — Water Quality Report
Bayard's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,203 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 59 violations on record, including 57 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Bayard's water
Bayard ranks #95 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Bayard 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, Bayard may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bayard, NE water safe to drink?
Bayard's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,203 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bayard
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bayard's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3323). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bayard's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bayard's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 57 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Morrill County has experienced 3 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.
Where does Bayard's water come from?
Bayard's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,203 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bayard 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.
Bayard'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
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtMorrill County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 79.0% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Morrill County has experienced 3 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bayard compares by contaminant
Explore where Bayard ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bayard's water comes from
Bayard'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 1,203 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Bayard
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAYARD, CITY OF | NE3112302 | 1,203 | GW |
How Bayard compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Bayard's score of 88.3/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Bayard, NE
Wikipedia →Bayard is a city in Morrill County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,140 at the 2020 census. Bayard is located 2 miles north of Chimney Rock, one of the most famous rock formations in North America, due to its historical prominence.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bayard's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Morrill
Frequently asked questions
Is Bayard, NE tap water safe to drink?
Bayard's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #95 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Bayard's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Bayard'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 Bayard?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bayard's water come from?
Bayard's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,203 residents.
What health violations has Bayard's water system had?
Bayard has 57 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Bayard's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bayard 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 59 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 Bayard's water compare to other cities?
Bayard ranks #95 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 53% of state cities) and #3537 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bayard's small water system affect quality?
Bayard's system serves approximately 1,203 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 59 violations on record.