Is Niobrara, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
60.2/100
waterverge.com Niobrara, NE — Water Quality Report
Niobrara's drinking water received a grade of C (60.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 995 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 15.1 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 55 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Niobrara's water
Niobrara ranks #194 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Niobrara 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Niobrara may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Niobrara, NE water safe to drink?
Niobrara's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 995 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Niobrara
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Niobrara's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
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 Niobrara's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Niobrara's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Knox 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 Ponca Creek At Verdel, Nebr., Missouri River Blw Ponca Creek Nr Verdel, Nebr., Niobrara River At Niobrara, Nebr., Missouri River At Niobrara, Nebr., Bazile Creek Near Niobrara, Nebr..
Where does Niobrara's water come from?
Niobrara's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 995 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ponca Creek At Verdel, Nebr. (river), Missouri River Blw Ponca Creek Nr Verdel, Nebr. (river), Niobrara River At Niobrara, Nebr. (river), Missouri River At Niobrara, Nebr. (river), Bazile Creek Near Niobrara, Nebr. (river).
What Niobrara residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Niobrara'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.
Niobrara'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 droughtKnox 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
Knox 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Niobrara'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. | 15.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Niobrara compares by contaminant
Explore where Niobrara ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Niobrara's water comes from
Niobrara'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 995 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Niobrara
Niobrara is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Niobrara
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SANTEE UTILITY COMMISSION | 070000004 | 630 | GW |
| NIOBRARA, VILLAGE OF | NE3110709 | 365 | GW |
How Niobrara compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Niobrara's score of 60.2/100 is below the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →ZIP codes served by Niobrara
The water systems serving Niobrara cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Niobrara, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Niobrara's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Knox
Frequently asked questions
Is Niobrara, NE tap water safe to drink?
Niobrara's water quality earned a grade of C (60.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #194 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Niobrara's water?
Lead was measured at 15.1 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is Niobrara'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 Niobrara?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Niobrara's water come from?
Niobrara's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 995 residents.
What health violations has Niobrara's water system had?
Niobrara has 27 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Niobrara's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Niobrara 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 55 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 Niobrara's water compare to other cities?
Niobrara ranks #194 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 3% of state cities) and #12109 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.