Is Laurel, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Laurel ranks. What to do next ↓
88.2/100
waterverge.com Laurel, NE — Water Quality Report
Laurel's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 972 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 27 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Laurel's water
Laurel ranks #98 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Laurel 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, Laurel may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Laurel, NE water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Laurel's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A- (88.2/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 972 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Laurel
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Laurel's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3323). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Laurel's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Laurel's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cedar 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.
Where does Laurel's water come from?
Laurel's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 972 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Laurel 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.
Laurel'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCedar 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
Cedar 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Laurel compares by contaminant
Explore where Laurel ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Laurel's water comes from
Laurel'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 972 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Laurel
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAUREL, CITY OF | NE3102705 | 972 | GW |
How Laurel compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Laurel's score of 88.2/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Laurel, NE
Wikipedia →Laurel is a city in Cedar County, Nebraska located at the merger of Highway 20 and Highway 15 in the northeast corner of the state. Laurel sits roughly 40 miles east of Norfolk, Nebraska, west of Sioux City, Iowa, and south of Yankton, South Dakota. Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska is 15 miles south of Laurel. Its population was 975 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Laurel's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cedar
Frequently asked questions
Is Laurel, NE tap water safe to drink?
Laurel's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #98 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Laurel's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Laurel'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 Laurel?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Laurel's water come from?
Laurel's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 972 residents.
What health violations has Laurel's water system had?
Laurel has 27 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Laurel's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Laurel 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 27 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 Laurel's water compare to other cities?
Laurel ranks #98 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 51% of state cities) and #3605 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Laurel's small water system affect quality?
Laurel's system serves approximately 972 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 27 violations on record.