Is Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee), NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee) ranks. What to do next ↓
94.4/100
waterverge.com Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee), NE — Water Quality Report
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s drinking water received a grade of A (94.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 830 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.2 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 4 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee) ranks #19 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee) 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee), NE water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.4/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 830 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). 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).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1902). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water system has 4 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Pawnee 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.
Where does Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water come from?
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 830 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee) 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'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
Pawnee 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 Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'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. | 5.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee) compares by contaminant
Explore where Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee) ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water comes from
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'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 830 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAWNEE CITY, CITY OF | NE3113305 | 830 | GW |
How Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee) compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s score of 94.4/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee), NE
Wikipedia →Pawnee City is a city in and the county seat of Pawnee County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2020 census, Pawnee City had a population of 865.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pawnee
Frequently asked questions
Is Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee), NE tap water safe to drink?
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water quality earned a grade of A (94.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water?
Lead was measured at 5.2 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'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 Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water come from?
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 830 residents.
What health violations has Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water system had?
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee) has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee) 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 Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s water compare to other cities?
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee) ranks #19 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 91% of state cities) and #514 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s small water system affect quality?
Pawnee City (Rr Name Pawnee)'s system serves approximately 830 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 4 violations on record.