Is Crawford, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.5/100
waterverge.com Crawford, NE — Water Quality Report
Crawford's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 840 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 21 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Crawford's water
Crawford ranks #93 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Crawford 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, Crawford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Crawford, NE water safe to drink?
Crawford's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 840 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Crawford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Crawford's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.5/100).
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Crawford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Crawford's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dawes County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Crawford's water come from?
Crawford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 840 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Crawford 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.
Crawford'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
D3 — extreme droughtDawes 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
Dawes County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Crawford compares by contaminant
Explore where Crawford ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Crawford's water comes from
Crawford'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 840 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Crawford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRAWFORD, CITY OF | NE3104505 | 840 | GU |
How Crawford compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Crawford's score of 88.5/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Crawford, NE
Wikipedia →Crawford is a city in Dawes County, Nebraska, United States, in the Great Plains region. As of the 2020 census, Crawford had a population of 840. It was incorporated in 1886 and was named for the late Captain Emmet Crawford, who had been stationed at nearby Fort Robinson.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Crawford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dawes
Frequently asked questions
Is Crawford, NE tap water safe to drink?
Crawford's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #93 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Crawford's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Crawford'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 Crawford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Crawford's water come from?
Crawford's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 840 residents.
What health violations has Crawford's water system had?
Crawford has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Crawford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Crawford 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 21 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 Crawford's water compare to other cities?
Crawford ranks #93 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 53% of state cities) and #3439 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 Crawford's small water system affect quality?
Crawford's system serves approximately 840 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 21 violations on record.