WaterVerge

Is Geneva, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Geneva ranks. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NE3105905
Overall Score
96.8 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#3 of 200 in Nebraska Top 1% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
96.8/100
waterverge.com
A+ 96.8/100

Geneva, NE — Water Quality Report

Geneva's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,217 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Geneva's water

Geneva ranks #3 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Geneva 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, Geneva may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
96.8 out of 100 Grade A+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.8/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Geneva, NE water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Geneva's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,217 residents using groundwater (wells).

None
Violations
1.5 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Geneva

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Geneva's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.8/100).

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUEES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3245). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Geneva's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.5 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Geneva's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.

MCLMR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2000 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jun 1992 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Fillmore County has experienced 4 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.

SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4420
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUEES
Hurricane FEMA DR-3245
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-998

Where does Geneva's water come from?

Geneva's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,217 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Geneva residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Geneva'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.5 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 10% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

2
Total violations
1
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Oct 2000
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

2 Total
0 Active
1 Health-based
2 Resolved
Oct 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2000
Jun 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1992
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Geneva

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Geneva, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
POET BIOREFINING - FAIRMONT LLC
Chemicals · POET HOLDING CO LLC
FAIRMONT, NE68354
6.0 mi
NE NITRO GENEVA LLC
Chemicals · NA
GENEVA, NE68361
1.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Fillmore 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.

7
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
14.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
7
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Mar 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Fillmore County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Mar 2019
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4420
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUEES
Hurricane FEMA #3245
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #998
Jul 1967
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #228

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.5 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 0.4 ppb from 2004 (1.1 ppb) to 2024 (1.5 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,217
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Geneva's water comes from

Groundwater

Geneva'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 2,217 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Geneva

System Name PWSID Population Source
GENEVA, CITY OF NE3105905 2,217 GW
Regional Comparison

How Geneva compares

Full Nebraska rankings →

Geneva's score of 96.8/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Geneva (this city)
96.8
Omaha
56.5
Lincoln
56.5
Kearney
70
Nebraska avg
66
City Profile

About Geneva, NE

Economic Profile
$86,667
Median Income
$144,611
Median Home Value
$756/mo
Median Rent
1%
Unemployment
Community
42.9
Median Age
355
People / sq mi
28.4%
College Educated
79.5%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Geneva, NE tap water safe to drink?

Geneva's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #3 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.

What contaminants are in Geneva's water?

Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.

How is Geneva'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 Geneva?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Geneva's water come from?

Geneva's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,217 residents.

What health violations has Geneva's water system had?

Geneva has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2000. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.

Is Geneva's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Geneva 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 2 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 Geneva's water compare to other cities?

Geneva ranks #3 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 99% of state cities) and #145 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 Geneva's small water system affect quality?

Geneva's system serves approximately 2,217 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 2 violations on record.