Is Elkhorn, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Elkhorn, NE — Water Quality Report
Elkhorn's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 750 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 10 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elkhorn's water
Elkhorn ranks #154 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Elkhorn 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, Elkhorn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elkhorn, NE water safe to drink?
Elkhorn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elkhorn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elkhorn's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4013). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elkhorn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elkhorn's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Douglas 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 Missouri River At Omaha, Missouri River At Hwy 92 At Omaha, Nebr., Missouri River At Hwy 370 At Bellevue, Nebr., Offutt Ditch (Bellevue Drain) Nr Offutt Afb, Nebr., Big Papillion Creek At Pacific St At Omaha, Nebr..
Where does Elkhorn's water come from?
Elkhorn's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Missouri River At Omaha (river), Missouri River At Hwy 92 At Omaha, Nebr. (river), Missouri River At Hwy 370 At Bellevue, Nebr. (river), Offutt Ditch (Bellevue Drain) Nr Offutt Afb, Nebr. (river), Big Papillion Creek At Pacific St At Omaha, Nebr. (river).
What Elkhorn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elkhorn'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.
Elkhorn'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
Flood & disaster history
Douglas 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elkhorn compares by contaminant
Explore where Elkhorn ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elkhorn's water comes from
Elkhorn'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 private ownership and serves approximately 750 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Elkhorn
Elkhorn is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elkhorn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOUGLAS CO SID 303 - SKYLINE WOODS | NE3150241 | 450 | GW |
| MOUNT MICHAEL HIGH SCHOOL | NE3120046 | 300 | GW |
How Elkhorn compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Elkhorn's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Elkhorn, NE
Wikipedia →Omaha is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nebraska. It is located in the Midwestern United States along the Missouri River, about 10 mi (15 km) north of the mouth of the Platte River. Omaha had a population of 486,051 at the 2020 census, making it the 41st-most populous U.S. city. The eight-county Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area extending into Iowa has approximately 1 million residents, the 55th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. It is the county seat of Douglas County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elkhorn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Elkhorn, NE tap water safe to drink?
Elkhorn's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #154 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Elkhorn's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Elkhorn'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 Elkhorn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elkhorn's water come from?
Elkhorn's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 750 residents.
What health violations has Elkhorn's water system had?
Elkhorn has 3 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Elkhorn's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elkhorn 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 10 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 Elkhorn's water compare to other cities?
Elkhorn ranks #154 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 23% of state cities) and #6421 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.