Is Ponca, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.4/100
waterverge.com Ponca, NE — Water Quality Report
Ponca's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 972 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.5 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 52 violations on record, including 48 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ponca's water
Ponca ranks #192 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Ponca 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, Ponca 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 Ponca, NE water safe to drink?
Ponca's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of C+ (65.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 972 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ponca
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ponca's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
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 Ponca's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ponca's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 48 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dixon 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.
Where does Ponca's water come from?
Ponca's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 972 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ponca 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.
Ponca'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 Ponca
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ponca, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL LLC JACKSON, NE68743 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
LOAD KING TRAILERS ELK POINT, SD57025 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtDixon County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Dixon 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.
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. | 3.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ponca compares by contaminant
Explore where Ponca ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ponca's water comes from
Ponca'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 972 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Ponca
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PONCA, CITY OF | NE3105106 | 894 | GW |
| MARTINSBURG, VILLAGE OF | NE3105108 | 78 | GW |
How Ponca compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Ponca's score of 65.4/100 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 Ponca, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ponca's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dixon
Frequently asked questions
Is Ponca, NE tap water safe to drink?
Ponca's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #192 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Ponca's water?
Lead was measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is Ponca'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 Ponca?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ponca's water come from?
Ponca's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 972 residents.
What health violations has Ponca's water system had?
Ponca has 48 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ponca's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ponca 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 52 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 Ponca's water compare to other cities?
Ponca ranks #192 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 4% of state cities) and #11517 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.