Is Red Cloud, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.7/100
waterverge.com Red Cloud, NE — Water Quality Report
Red Cloud's drinking water received a grade of A (91.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,020 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 8 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Red Cloud's water
Red Cloud ranks #52 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Red Cloud 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, Red Cloud may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Red Cloud, NE water safe to drink?
Red Cloud's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,020 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Red Cloud
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Red Cloud's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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-3245). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Red Cloud's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Red Cloud's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Webster County has experienced 4 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.
Where does Red Cloud's water come from?
Red Cloud's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,020 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Red Cloud 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.
Red Cloud'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtWebster County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Webster County has experienced 4 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Red Cloud compares by contaminant
Explore where Red Cloud ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Red Cloud's water comes from
Red Cloud'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 1,020 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Red Cloud
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RED CLOUD, CITY OF | NE3118301 | 1,020 | GW |
How Red Cloud compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Red Cloud's score of 91.7/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Red Cloud, NE
Wikipedia →Red Cloud is a city in and the county seat of Webster County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 962 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Red Cloud's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Webster
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Cloud, NE tap water safe to drink?
Red Cloud's water quality earned a grade of A (91.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #52 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Red Cloud's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Red Cloud'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 Red Cloud?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Red Cloud's water come from?
Red Cloud's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,020 residents.
What health violations has Red Cloud's water system had?
Red Cloud has 6 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 Red Cloud's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Red Cloud 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 8 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 Red Cloud's water compare to other cities?
Red Cloud ranks #52 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 74% of state cities) and #1548 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Red Cloud's small water system affect quality?
Red Cloud's system serves approximately 1,020 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 8 violations on record.