Is Firth, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
73.3/100
waterverge.com Firth, NE — Water Quality Report
Firth's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 680 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 51 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Firth's water
Firth ranks #182 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Firth 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, Firth may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Firth, NE water safe to drink?
Firth's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 680 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Firth
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Firth's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Firth'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
Firth's water system has 51 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lancaster 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 Salt Creek At Roca, Nebr..
Where does Firth's water come from?
Firth's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 680 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Salt Creek At Roca, Nebr. (river).
What Firth residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Firth'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.
Firth'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 Firth
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Firth, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
E ENERGY ADAMS ADAMS, NE68301 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
NEBRASKA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT SHELDON STATION HALLAM, NE68368 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
MONOLITH OLIVE CREEK 1 HALLAM, NE68368 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLancaster 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
Lancaster 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Firth'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.36 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.360 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Firth compares by contaminant
Explore where Firth ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Firth's water comes from
Firth'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 680 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Firth
Firth is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Firth
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIRTH, VILLAGE OF | NE3110912 | 640 | GW |
| MEADOW HILLS SUBDIVISION | MO5031142 | 40 | GW |
How Firth compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Firth's score of 73.3/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Firth, NE
Wikipedia →Firth is a village in Lancaster County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 649 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Firth's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lancaster
Frequently asked questions
Is Firth, NE tap water safe to drink?
Firth's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #182 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Firth's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 51 violations are on record.
How is Firth'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 Firth?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Firth's water come from?
Firth's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 680 residents.
What health violations has Firth's water system had?
Firth has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Firth's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Firth 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 51 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 Firth's water compare to other cities?
Firth ranks #182 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 9% of state cities) and #10117 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.