Is Crofton, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.2/100
waterverge.com Crofton, NE — Water Quality Report
Crofton's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,254 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 61 violations on record, including 53 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Crofton's water
Crofton ranks #185 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Crofton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Crofton, NE water safe to drink?
Crofton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,254 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Crofton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Crofton's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Crofton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Crofton's water system has 61 total violations on record, including 53 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cedar County has experienced 6 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 Bow Creek Near Wynot, Nebr..
Where does Crofton's water come from?
Crofton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,254 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bow Creek Near Wynot, Nebr. (river).
What Crofton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Crofton'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.
Crofton'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 droughtKnox 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
Cedar County has experienced 6 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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Crofton compares by contaminant
Explore where Crofton ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Crofton's water comes from
Crofton's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,254 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Crofton
Crofton is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Crofton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEDAR-KNOX RURAL WATER PROJECT | NE3120303 | 2,500 | SW |
| CROFTON, CITY OF | NE3110704 | 754 | SWP |
How Crofton compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Crofton's score of 70.2/100 is on par with the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Crofton, NE
Wikipedia →Hartington is a city in and the county seat of Cedar County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,514 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Crofton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cedar
Frequently asked questions
Is Crofton, NE tap water safe to drink?
Crofton's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #185 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Crofton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 61 violations are on record.
How is Crofton'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 Crofton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Crofton's water come from?
Crofton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,254 residents.
What health violations has Crofton's water system had?
Crofton has 53 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Crofton's water compare to other cities?
Crofton ranks #185 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 7% of state cities) and #10789 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.