Is De Witt, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88.1/100
waterverge.com De Witt, NE — Water Quality Report
De Witt's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 598 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 11 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about De Witt's water
De Witt ranks #99 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
De Witt 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, De Witt may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is De Witt, NE water safe to drink?
De Witt's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 598 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for De Witt
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into De Witt's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for De Witt's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
De Witt's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does De Witt's water come from?
De Witt's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 598 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What De Witt 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.
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 De Witt
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near De Witt, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 6,030 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KOCH FERTILIZER BEATRICE,LLC BEATRICE, NE68310 | Ammonia | 6,030 | 6.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSaline 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in De Witt'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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how De Witt compares by contaminant
Explore where De Witt ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where De Witt's water comes from
De Witt'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 598 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving De Witt
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWITT, VILLAGE OF | NE3115101 | 598 | GW |
How De Witt compares
Full Nebraska rankings →De Witt's score of 88.1/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About De Witt, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to De Witt's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saline
Frequently asked questions
Is De Witt, NE tap water safe to drink?
De Witt's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #99 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in De Witt's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is De Witt'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 De Witt?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does De Witt's water come from?
De Witt's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 598 residents.
What health violations has De Witt's water system had?
De Witt has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is De Witt's groundwater at risk of contamination?
De Witt 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 11 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 De Witt's water compare to other cities?
De Witt ranks #99 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 51% of state cities) and #3662 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does De Witt's small water system affect quality?
De Witt's system serves approximately 598 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 11 violations on record.