Is Friend, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.2/100
waterverge.com Friend, NE — Water Quality Report
Friend's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 964 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 9.4 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 13 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Friend's water
Friend ranks #124 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Friend 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Friend may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Friend, NE water safe to drink?
Friend's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 964 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Friend
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Friend's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1902). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Friend's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Friend's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Saline 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 West Fork Big Blue River Near Dorchester, Nebr..
Where does Friend's water come from?
Friend's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 964 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include West Fork Big Blue River Near Dorchester, Nebr. (river).
What Friend 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Friend'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
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.
Flood & disaster history
Saline 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 Friend'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. | 9.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Friend compares by contaminant
Explore where Friend ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Friend's water comes from
Friend'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 964 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Friend
Friend is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Friend
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRIEND, CITY OF | NE3115102 | 964 | GW |
How Friend compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Friend's score of 86.2/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Friend, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Friend's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saline
Frequently asked questions
Is Friend, NE tap water safe to drink?
Friend's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #124 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Friend's water?
Lead was measured at 9.4 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Friend'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 Friend?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Friend's water come from?
Friend's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 964 residents.
What health violations has Friend's water system had?
Friend has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Friend's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Friend 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 13 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 Friend's water compare to other cities?
Friend ranks #124 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 38% of state cities) and #4880 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Friend's small water system affect quality?
Friend's system serves approximately 964 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 13 violations on record.