Is Murray, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.3/100
waterverge.com Murray, NE — Water Quality Report
Murray's drinking water received a grade of A (91.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,438 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 4 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Murray's water
Murray ranks #55 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Murray 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Murray, NE water safe to drink?
Murray's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,438 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Murray
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Murray's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.3/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Murray's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Murray's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
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 La Platte, Nebr., Weeping Water Creek At Union, Nebr..
Where does Murray's water come from?
Murray's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,438 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 La Platte, Nebr. (river), Weeping Water Creek At Union, Nebr. (river).
What Murray 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.
Murray'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
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.
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. | 2.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Murray compares by contaminant
Explore where Murray ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Murray's water comes from
Murray'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 3,438 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Murray
Murray is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Murray
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASS CO RWD 1 | NE3102521 | 2,958 | GW |
| MURRAY, VILLAGE OF | NE3102514 | 480 | GWP |
How Murray compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Murray's score of 91.3/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Murray, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Murray's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cass
Frequently asked questions
Is Murray, NE tap water safe to drink?
Murray's water quality earned a grade of A (91.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #55 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Murray's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Murray'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 Murray?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Murray's water come from?
Murray's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,438 residents.
What health violations has Murray's water system had?
Murray has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 1992. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Murray's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Murray 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 4 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 Murray's water compare to other cities?
Murray ranks #55 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 73% of state cities) and #1760 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.