Is David City, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how David City ranks. What to do next ↓
96.9/100
waterverge.com David City, NE — Water Quality Report
David City's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,824 residents using groundwater.
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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about David City's water
David City ranks #2 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
David 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.
As a small community water system, David City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is David City, NE water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, David City's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,824 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for David City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into David City's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1902). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for David City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
David City's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Butler 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.
Where does David City's water come from?
David City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,824 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What David 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.
David 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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of David City
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BRUNO CO OP ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATED PROPERTIES8.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtButler 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
Butler 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how David City compares by contaminant
Explore where David City ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where David City's water comes from
David 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 2,824 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving David City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAVID CITY, CITY OF | NE3102301 | 2,824 | GW |
How David City compares
Full Nebraska rankings →David City's score of 96.9/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About David City, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to David City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Butler
Frequently asked questions
Is David City, NE tap water safe to drink?
David City's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #2 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in David City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is David 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 David City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does David City's water come from?
David City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,824 residents.
Is David City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
David 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 1 violation 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 David City's water compare to other cities?
David City ranks #2 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 99% of state cities) and #124 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does David City's small water system affect quality?
David City's system serves approximately 2,824 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 1 violation on record.