Is Ceresco, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
77.3/100
waterverge.com Ceresco, NE — Water Quality Report
Ceresco's drinking water received a grade of B (77.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 919 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 4 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Ceresco's water
Ceresco ranks #174 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Ceresco 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Ceresco may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ceresco, NE water safe to drink?
Ceresco's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (77.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 919 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ceresco
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ceresco's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3245). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Selenium.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Selenium.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ceresco's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Ceresco's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Saunders County has experienced 8 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 Rock Creek Near Ceresco, Nebr., Wahoo Creek At Ithaca, Nebr..
Where does Ceresco's water come from?
Ceresco's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 919 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rock Creek Near Ceresco, Nebr. (river), Wahoo Creek At Ithaca, Nebr. (river).
What Ceresco residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ceresco'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Ceresco'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
D2 — severe droughtSaunders 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
Saunders County has experienced 8 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 Ceresco'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. | 16.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ceresco compares by contaminant
Explore where Ceresco ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ceresco's water comes from
Ceresco'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 919 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ceresco
Ceresco is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ceresco
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CERESCO, VILLAGE OF | NE3115503 | 919 | GW |
How Ceresco compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Ceresco's score of 77.3/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Ceresco, NE
Wikipedia →Ceresco is a farming village in Saunders County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 919 at the 2020 census. It is located near U.S. Highway 77, just south of Wahoo.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ceresco's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saunders
Frequently asked questions
Is Ceresco, NE tap water safe to drink?
Ceresco's water quality earned a grade of B (77.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #174 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Ceresco's water?
Lead was measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Ceresco'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 Ceresco?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ceresco's water come from?
Ceresco's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 919 residents.
What health violations has Ceresco's water system had?
Ceresco has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 1999. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Ceresco's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ceresco 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 4 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 Ceresco's water compare to other cities?
Ceresco ranks #174 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 13% of state cities) and #9045 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ceresco's small water system affect quality?
Ceresco's system serves approximately 919 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 4 violations on record.