Is Kimball, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Kimball ranks. What to do next ↓
97/100
waterverge.com Kimball, NE — Water Quality Report
Kimball's drinking water received a grade of A+ (97 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,596 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Kimball's water
Kimball ranks #1 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Kimball 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, Kimball may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Kimball has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kimball, NE water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Kimball's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (97/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,596 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kimball
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kimball's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (97/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Kimball's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Flood & environmental risk
Kimball 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 Kimball's water come from?
Kimball's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,596 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Kimball 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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Kimball
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kimball, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLEAN HARBORS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC KIMBALL, NE69145 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtKimball 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
Kimball 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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kimball compares by contaminant
Explore where Kimball ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kimball's water comes from
Kimball'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 2,596 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Kimball
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIMBALL, CITY OF | NE3110501 | 2,596 | GW |
How Kimball compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Kimball's score of 97/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Kimball, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kimball's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kimball
Frequently asked questions
Is Kimball, NE tap water safe to drink?
Kimball's water quality earned a grade of A+ (97/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #1 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Kimball's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Kimball'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 Kimball?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kimball's water come from?
Kimball's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,596 residents.
Is Kimball's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kimball uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. Current testing shows the groundwater meets EPA standards. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Kimball's water compare to other cities?
Kimball ranks #1 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 100% of state cities) and #100 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 Kimball's small water system affect quality?
Kimball's system serves approximately 2,596 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 maintained a clean compliance record.