Is Kennard, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.4/100
waterverge.com Kennard, NE — Water Quality Report
Kennard's drinking water received a grade of B (79.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,350 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 9.6 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 24 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kennard's water
Kennard ranks #168 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
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, Kennard may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kennard, NE water safe to drink?
Kennard's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,350 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kennard
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kennard's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Kennard'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
Kennard's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Big Papillion Creek Near Blair, Nebr., Big Papillion Creek Near Kennard, Nebr., Big Papillion Creek Near Bennington, Nebr., Thomas Creek Near Bennington, Nebr..
Where does Kennard's water come from?
Kennard's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,350 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Big Papillion Creek Near Blair, Nebr. (river), Big Papillion Creek Near Kennard, Nebr. (river), Big Papillion Creek Near Bennington, Nebr. (river), Thomas Creek Near Bennington, Nebr. (river).
What Kennard residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kennard'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Kennard'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 Kennard
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kennard, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 174,405 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARGILL CORN MILLING NORTH AMERICA BLAIR, NE680082649 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 174,400 | 6.9 mi |
NOVOZYMES BLAIR INC BLAIR, NE68008 | Ammonia | 5 | 6.7 mi |
GERHOLD CONCRETE CO BLAIR PLANT BLAIR, NE68008 | Lead | 0 | 7.0 mi |
EVONIK CORP BLAIR, NE68008 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
PURAC AMERICA INC. BLAIR, NE68008 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtWashington County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Washington County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1971. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Kennard'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. | 9.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kennard compares by contaminant
Explore where Kennard ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kennard's water comes from
Kennard's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,350 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kennard
Kennard is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Kennard
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KENNARD, VILLAGE OF | NE3117906 | 1,350 | SWP |
How Kennard compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Kennard's score of 79.4/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Kennard, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kennard's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Kennard, NE tap water safe to drink?
Kennard's water quality earned a grade of B (79.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #168 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Kennard's water?
Lead was measured at 9.6 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Kennard'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 Kennard?
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 Kennard's water come from?
Kennard's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,350 residents.
What health violations has Kennard's water system had?
Kennard has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Kennard's water compare to other cities?
Kennard ranks #168 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 16% of state cities) and #8274 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kennard's small water system affect quality?
Kennard's system serves approximately 1,350 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 24 violations on record.