Is Hay Springs, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.8/100
waterverge.com Hay Springs, NE — Water Quality Report
Hay Springs's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 614 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.3 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 9 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hay Springs's water
Hay Springs ranks #153 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Hay Springs 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, Hay Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hay Springs, NE water safe to drink?
Hay Springs's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 614 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hay Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hay Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3245). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hay Springs'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
Hay Springs's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sheridan County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Hay Springs's water come from?
Hay Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 614 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hay Springs 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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSheridan County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Sheridan County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hay Springs'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. | 6.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hay Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Hay Springs ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hay Springs's water comes from
Hay Springs'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 614 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hay Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAY SPRINGS, CITY OF | NE3116102 | 614 | GW |
How Hay Springs compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Hay Springs's score of 83.8/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Hay Springs, NE
Wikipedia →Hay Springs is a city in Sheridan County in the state of Nebraska, in the Great Plains region of the United States. The population was 570 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hay Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sheridan
Frequently asked questions
Is Hay Springs, NE tap water safe to drink?
Hay Springs's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #153 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Hay Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 6.3 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Hay Springs'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 Hay Springs?
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 Hay Springs's water come from?
Hay Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 614 residents.
What health violations has Hay Springs's water system had?
Hay Springs has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hay Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hay Springs 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 9 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 Hay Springs's water compare to other cities?
Hay Springs ranks #153 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 24% of state cities) and #6284 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hay Springs's small water system affect quality?
Hay Springs's system serves approximately 614 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 9 violations on record.