Is Macy, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71.1/100
waterverge.com Macy, NE — Water Quality Report
Macy's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 63 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Macy's water
Macy ranks #183 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Macy 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, Macy may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Macy, NE water safe to drink?
Macy's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Macy
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Macy's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.1/100).
3 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: CYANIDE.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Macy's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Macy's water system has 63 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Thurston County has experienced 8 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 South Omaha Creek At Walthill, Nebr., Missouri River At Decatur.
Where does Macy's water come from?
Macy's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Omaha Creek At Walthill, Nebr. (river), Missouri River At Decatur (river).
What Macy residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Macy'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.
Macy'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
Thurston County has experienced 8 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Macy compares by contaminant
Explore where Macy ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Macy's water comes from
Macy'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Macy
Macy is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Macy
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OMAHA TRIBE PWS | 070000007 | 1,800 | GW |
How Macy compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Macy's score of 71.1/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →ZIP codes served by Macy
The water system serving Macy covers 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Macy, NE
Wikipedia →Macy is a census-designated place (CDP) in Thurston County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 1,045 at the 2020 census. It is within the Omaha Reservation, and includes Omaha Nation Public Schools.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Macy's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Macy, NE tap water safe to drink?
Macy's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #183 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Macy's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 63 violations are on record.
How is Macy'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 Macy?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Macy's water come from?
Macy's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 residents.
What health violations has Macy's water system had?
Macy has 10 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. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Macy's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Macy 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 63 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 Macy's water compare to other cities?
Macy ranks #183 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 8% of state cities) and #10619 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Macy's small water system affect quality?
Macy's system serves approximately 1,800 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 63 violations on record.