Is Humboldt, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.7/100
waterverge.com Humboldt, NE — Water Quality Report
Humboldt's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,787 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 136 violations on record, including 122 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Humboldt's water
Humboldt ranks #180 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Humboldt 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, Humboldt may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Humboldt, NE water safe to drink?
Humboldt's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,787 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Humboldt
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Humboldt's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4013). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Humboldt's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Humboldt's water system has 136 total violations on record, including 122 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Richardson County has experienced 9 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 North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt, Nebr..
Where does Humboldt's water come from?
Humboldt's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,787 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Big Nemaha River At Humboldt, Nebr. (river).
What Humboldt residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Humboldt'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.
Humboldt'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
Flood & disaster history
Richardson County has experienced 9 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Humboldt compares by contaminant
Explore where Humboldt ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Humboldt's water comes from
Humboldt'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 1,787 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Humboldt
Humboldt is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Humboldt
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUMBOLDT, CITY OF | NE3114702 | 950 | GW |
| RICHARDSON CO RWD 1 | NE3114701 | 812 | GW |
| COLONIAL ACRES NURSING HOME | NE3120384 | 25 | GWP |
How Humboldt compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Humboldt's score of 74.7/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Humboldt, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Humboldt's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Richardson
Frequently asked questions
Is Humboldt, NE tap water safe to drink?
Humboldt's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #180 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Humboldt's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 136 violations are on record.
How is Humboldt'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 Humboldt?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Humboldt's water come from?
Humboldt's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,787 residents.
What health violations has Humboldt's water system had?
Humboldt has 122 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Humboldt's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Humboldt 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 136 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 Humboldt's water compare to other cities?
Humboldt ranks #180 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 10% of state cities) and #9773 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.