Is Cairo, 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 ↓
93.2/100
waterverge.com Cairo, NE — Water Quality Report
Cairo's drinking water received a grade of A (93.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 785 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 13 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Cairo's water
Cairo ranks #34 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Cairo 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, Cairo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cairo, NE water safe to drink?
Cairo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 785 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cairo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cairo's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
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 Cairo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cairo's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
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 South Loup River At Saint Michael, Nebr..
Where does Cairo's water come from?
Cairo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 785 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Loup River At Saint Michael, Nebr. (river).
What Cairo 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.
Cairo'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 Cairo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cairo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PLATTE VALLEY ENERGETICS LLC ALDA, NE68810 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Cairo
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 PLANT8.0 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.
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 Cairo compares by contaminant
Explore where Cairo ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cairo's water comes from
Cairo'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 785 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cairo
Cairo is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cairo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAIRO, VILLAGE OF | NE3107906 | 785 | GW |
How Cairo compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Cairo's score of 93.2/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Cairo, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cairo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hall
Frequently asked questions
Is Cairo, NE tap water safe to drink?
Cairo's water quality earned a grade of A (93.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #34 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Cairo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Cairo'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 Cairo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cairo's water come from?
Cairo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 785 residents.
What health violations has Cairo's water system had?
Cairo has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Cairo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cairo 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 13 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 Cairo's water compare to other cities?
Cairo ranks #34 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 83% of state cities) and #947 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cairo's small water system affect quality?
Cairo's system serves approximately 785 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 13 violations on record.