Is Cambridge, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.2/100
waterverge.com Cambridge, NE — Water Quality Report
Cambridge's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,426 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 43 violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cambridge's water
Cambridge ranks #123 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Cambridge 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, Cambridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cambridge, NE water safe to drink?
Cambridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,426 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cambridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cambridge's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).
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.
2 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 Cambridge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cambridge's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Furnas County has experienced 4 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 Republican River At Cambridge, Nebr..
Where does Cambridge's water come from?
Cambridge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,426 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Republican River At Cambridge, Nebr. (river).
What Cambridge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cambridge'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.
Cambridge'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 Cambridge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cambridge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NEBRASKA CORN PROCESSING LLC CAMBRIDGE, NE69022 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtFurnas 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
Furnas County has experienced 4 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cambridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Cambridge ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cambridge's water comes from
Cambridge 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 Cambridge'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 1,426 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Cambridge
Cambridge is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cambridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMBRIDGE, CITY OF | NE3106504 | 1,071 | GWP |
| BIC JOINT WATER AGENCY | NE3121227 | 355 | GW |
How Cambridge compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Cambridge's score of 86.2/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Cambridge, NE
Wikipedia →Cambridge is a city in Furnas County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,071 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cambridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Furnas
Frequently asked questions
Is Cambridge, NE tap water safe to drink?
Cambridge's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #123 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Cambridge's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.
How is Cambridge'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 Cambridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cambridge's water come from?
Cambridge's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,426 residents.
What health violations has Cambridge's water system had?
Cambridge has 37 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cambridge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cambridge 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 43 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 Cambridge's water compare to other cities?
Cambridge ranks #123 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 39% of state cities) and #4870 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.