Is Peru, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.2/100
waterverge.com Peru, NE — Water Quality Report
Peru's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 650 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 4.4 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 9 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Peru's water
Peru ranks #125 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Peru 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, Peru may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Peru, NE water safe to drink?
Peru's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 650 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Peru
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Peru's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Peru's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Peru's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Nemaha County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg, Missouri River At Brownville, Little Nemaha River At Auburn, Nebr..
Where does Peru's water come from?
Peru's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 650 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nishnabotna River Above Hamburg (river), Missouri River At Brownville (river), Little Nemaha River At Auburn, Nebr. (river).
What Peru 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.
Peru'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Peru
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Peru, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 37,259 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MANILDRA MILLING CO HAMBURG, IA51640 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 37,259 | 9.0 mi |
MAGNOLIA METAL CORP AUBURN, NE68305 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Nemaha County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 4.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Peru compares by contaminant
Explore where Peru ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Peru's water comes from
Peru'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 650 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Peru
Peru is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Peru
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PERU, CITY OF | NE3112705 | 650 | GU |
How Peru compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Peru's score of 86.2/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Peru, NE
Wikipedia →Peru is a city in Nemaha County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 648 at the 2020 census. Peru State College is located in the city.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Peru's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nemaha
Frequently asked questions
Is Peru, NE tap water safe to drink?
Peru's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #125 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Peru's water?
Lead was measured at 4.4 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Peru'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 Peru?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Peru's water come from?
Peru's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 650 residents.
What health violations has Peru's water system had?
Peru has 3 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 Peru's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Peru 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 9 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 Peru's water compare to other cities?
Peru ranks #125 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 38% of state cities) and #4887 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Peru's small water system affect quality?
Peru's system serves approximately 650 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 9 violations on record.