Is Louisville, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.7/100
waterverge.com Louisville, NE — Water Quality Report
Louisville's drinking water received a grade of B (78.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,371 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 6 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Louisville's water
Louisville ranks #170 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Louisville 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, Louisville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Louisville, NE water safe to drink?
Louisville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,371 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Louisville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Louisville's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4013). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Louisville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Louisville's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cass 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 Platte River At Louisville, Nebr., Buffalo Creek At S 168Th St Nr Springfield, Nebr., Springfield Creek At Springfield, Nebr..
Where does Louisville's water come from?
Louisville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,371 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Platte River At Louisville, Nebr. (river), Buffalo Creek At S 168Th St Nr Springfield, Nebr. (river), Springfield Creek At Springfield, Nebr. (river).
What Louisville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Louisville'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.
Louisville'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 Louisville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Louisville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASH GROVE CEMENT CO LOUISVILLE, NE68037 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
PCS PHOSPHATE CO INC WEEPING WATER, NE68463 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCass 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
Cass 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Louisville'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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Louisville compares by contaminant
Explore where Louisville ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Louisville's water comes from
Louisville'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 1,371 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Louisville
Louisville is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Louisville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOUISVILLE, CITY OF | NE3102512 | 1,301 | GW |
| RAVEN'S NEST | NE3121381 | 70 | GW |
How Louisville compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Louisville's score of 78.7/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Louisville, NE
Wikipedia →Louisville is a city in northern Cass County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,319 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Louisville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cass
Frequently asked questions
Is Louisville, NE tap water safe to drink?
Louisville's water quality earned a grade of B (78.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #170 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Louisville's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Louisville'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 Louisville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Louisville's water come from?
Louisville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,371 residents.
What health violations has Louisville's water system had?
Louisville has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Louisville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Louisville 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 6 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 Louisville's water compare to other cities?
Louisville ranks #170 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 15% of state cities) and #8573 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.