Is Dakota City, 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 ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Dakota City, NE — Water Quality Report
Dakota City's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,113 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Dakota City's water
Dakota City ranks #73 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Dakota City 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dakota City, NE water safe to drink?
Dakota City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,113 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dakota City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dakota City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4013). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dakota City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dakota City's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Dakota 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 Big Sioux River, Missouri River At Sioux City, Perry Creek At 38Th Street At Sioux City, Omaha Creek At Homer, Nebr..
Where does Dakota City's water come from?
Dakota City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,113 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Sioux River (river), Missouri River At Sioux City (river), Perry Creek At 38Th Street At Sioux City (river), Omaha Creek At Homer, Nebr. (river).
What Dakota City 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.
Dakota City'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 Dakota City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dakota City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 944,171 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CF INDUSTRIES NITROGEN LLC-PORT NEAL NITROGEN COMPLEX SERGEANT BLUFF, IA51054 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 876,722 | 6.8 mi |
GELITA SERGEANT BLUFF, IA51054 | Ammonia | 67,134 | 6.0 mi |
VALMONT COATINGS INC DBA SIOUXLAND GALVANIZING CORP. SIOUX CITY, IA51111 | Zinc compounds | 177 | 2.3 mi |
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY CO GEORGE NEAL NORTH SERGEANT BLUFF, IA51054 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 123 | 6.7 mi |
CARGILL FEED & NUTRITION SIOUX CITY SIOUX CITY, IA51105 | Zinc compounds | 15 | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtDakota 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
Dakota 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.
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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dakota City compares by contaminant
Explore where Dakota City ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dakota City's water comes from
Dakota City'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 4,113 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Dakota City
Dakota City is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dakota City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAKOTA CITY, CITY OF | NE3104301 | 2,081 | GW |
| DAKOTA CO RURAL WATER | NE3120302 | 2,032 | GWP |
How Dakota City compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Dakota City's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Dakota City, NE
Wikipedia →Dakota City is a city in and the county seat of Dakota County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 2,081 at the 2020 census. Tyson Foods' largest beef production plant is located in Dakota City.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dakota City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dakota
Frequently asked questions
Is Dakota City, NE tap water safe to drink?
Dakota City's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #73 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Dakota City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Dakota City'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 Dakota City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dakota City's water come from?
Dakota City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,113 residents.
What health violations has Dakota City's water system had?
Dakota City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 1996. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Dakota City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dakota City 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 2 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 Dakota City's water compare to other cities?
Dakota City ranks #73 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 64% of state cities) and #2574 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.