Is Hickman, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.8/100
waterverge.com Hickman, NE — Water Quality Report
Hickman's drinking water received a grade of A (91.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,490 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 31 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hickman's water
Hickman ranks #51 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Hickman 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hickman, NE water safe to drink?
Hickman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,490 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hickman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hickman's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Hickman's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hickman's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
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 Hickman's water come from?
Hickman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,490 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 Hickman residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hickman'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.
Hickman'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 Hickman
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hickman, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NEBRASKA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT SHELDON STATION HALLAM, NE68368 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
MONOLITH OLIVE CREEK 1 HALLAM, NE68368 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
READY-MIXED CONCRETE CO (52ND & HWY 2) LINCOLN, NE68516 | — | — | 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.
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. | 2.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hickman compares by contaminant
Explore where Hickman ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hickman's water comes from
Hickman'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 3,490 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hickman
Hickman is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hickman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HICKMAN, CITY OF | NE3110917 | 3,300 | GW |
| LANCASTER CO SID 3 - HOLLAND | NE3110924 | 190 | GW |
How Hickman compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Hickman's score of 91.8/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Hickman, NE
Wikipedia →Hickman is a city in Lancaster County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,607 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hickman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lancaster
Frequently asked questions
Is Hickman, NE tap water safe to drink?
Hickman's water quality earned a grade of A (91.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #51 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Hickman's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Hickman'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 Hickman?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hickman's water come from?
Hickman's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,490 residents.
What health violations has Hickman's water system had?
Hickman has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hickman's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hickman 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 31 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 Hickman's water compare to other cities?
Hickman ranks #51 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 75% of state cities) and #1490 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.