Is Plainview, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
64.4/100
waterverge.com Plainview, NE — Water Quality Report
Plainview's drinking water received a grade of C (64.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,282 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 28 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Plainview's water
Plainview ranks #193 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Plainview 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, Plainview may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Plainview, NE water safe to drink?
Plainview's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of C (64.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,282 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Plainview
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Plainview's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Plainview's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Plainview's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pierce 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 Plainview's water come from?
Plainview's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,282 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Plainview 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.
Plainview'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 Plainview
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Plainview, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HUSKER AG LLC PLAINVIEW, NE68769 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPierce 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
Pierce 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.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Plainview compares by contaminant
Explore where Plainview ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Plainview's water comes from
Plainview'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 1,282 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Plainview
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAINVIEW, CITY OF | NE3113902 | 1,282 | GW |
How Plainview compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Plainview's score of 64.4/100 is on par with 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 →About Plainview, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Plainview's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pierce
Frequently asked questions
Is Plainview, NE tap water safe to drink?
Plainview's water quality earned a grade of C (64.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #193 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Plainview's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Plainview'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 Plainview?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Plainview's water come from?
Plainview's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,282 residents.
What health violations has Plainview's water system had?
Plainview has 27 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Plainview's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Plainview 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 28 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 Plainview's water compare to other cities?
Plainview ranks #193 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 4% of state cities) and #11657 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Plainview's small water system affect quality?
Plainview's system serves approximately 1,282 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 28 violations on record.