Is Oakland, 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 ↓
84.5/100
waterverge.com Oakland, NE — Water Quality Report
Oakland's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,560 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 7 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oakland's water
Oakland ranks #141 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Oakland 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 Oakland, NE water safe to drink?
Oakland's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,560 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oakland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oakland's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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-4013). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oakland'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
Oakland's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Burt County has experienced 7 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 Logan Creek Near Uehling, Nebr..
Where does Oakland's water come from?
Oakland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,560 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Logan Creek Near Uehling, Nebr. (river).
What Oakland 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.
Oakland'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
Burt County has experienced 7 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 Oakland'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. | 2.7 | 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. | 1.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oakland compares by contaminant
Explore where Oakland ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oakland's water comes from
Oakland'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 4,560 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Oakland
Oakland is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Oakland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOGAN EAST RURAL WATER SYSTEM | NE3120658 | 3,000 | GW |
| OAKLAND, CITY OF | NE3102101 | 1,300 | GW |
| WAU COL RWS - EAST SIDE | NE3121337 | 260 | GWP |
How Oakland compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Oakland's score of 84.5/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Oakland, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oakland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Burt
Frequently asked questions
Is Oakland, NE tap water safe to drink?
Oakland's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #141 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Oakland's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Oakland'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 Oakland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oakland's water come from?
Oakland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,560 residents.
What health violations has Oakland's water system had?
Oakland has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oakland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oakland 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 7 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 Oakland's water compare to other cities?
Oakland ranks #141 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 30% of state cities) and #5851 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.