Is Springfield, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
90.1/100
waterverge.com Springfield, NE — Water Quality Report
Springfield's drinking water received a grade of A (90.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,809 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 20 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Springfield's water
Springfield ranks #70 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Springfield 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, Springfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Springfield, NE water safe to drink?
Springfield's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,809 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Springfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Springfield's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.1/100).
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-4013). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Springfield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Springfield's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sarpy County has experienced 9 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. Local water sources include Big Papillion Creek At Q Street At Omaha, Nebr., West Papillion Creek At Millard, Nebr., South Papillion Creek Near Gretna, Nebr., South Papillion Creek At Chalco, Nebr., West Papillion Creek At Papillion, Nebr..
Where does Springfield's water come from?
Springfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,809 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Papillion Creek At Q Street At Omaha, Nebr. (river), West Papillion Creek At Millard, Nebr. (river), South Papillion Creek Near Gretna, Nebr. (river), South Papillion Creek At Chalco, Nebr. (river), West Papillion Creek At Papillion, Nebr. (river).
What Springfield 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.
Springfield'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 Springfield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Springfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
READY MIXED CONCRETE CO MILLARD PLANT OMAHA, NE68137 | Lead | 0 | 7.3 mi |
ASH GROVE CEMENT CO LOUISVILLE, NE68037 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
LALA BRANDED PRODUCTS LLC OMAHA, NE68117 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
TYSON PROCESSING SERVICES INC. OMAHA, NE68137 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
CLAAS OMAHA INC OMAHA, NE68138 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sarpy County has experienced 9 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 Springfield'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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.68 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Springfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Springfield ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Springfield's water comes from
Springfield'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 1,809 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Springfield
Springfield is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Springfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPRINGFIELD, CITY OF | NE3115301 | 1,529 | GW |
| SARPY CO SID 81 - FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS | NE3115309 | 280 | GW |
How Springfield compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Springfield's score of 90.1/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Springfield, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Springfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sarpy
Frequently asked questions
Is Springfield, NE tap water safe to drink?
Springfield's water quality earned a grade of A (90.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #70 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Springfield's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Springfield'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 Springfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Springfield's water come from?
Springfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,809 residents.
What health violations has Springfield's water system had?
Springfield has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Springfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Springfield 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 20 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 Springfield's water compare to other cities?
Springfield ranks #70 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 65% of state cities) and #2411 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.