Is Superior, 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 ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com Superior, NE — Water Quality Report
Superior's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,979 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.8 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 5 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Superior's water
Superior ranks #68 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Superior 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Superior may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Superior, NE water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Superior's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (90.3/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,979 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Superior
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Superior's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Superior's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Superior's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Nuckolls County has experienced 7 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 Courtland Canal At Nebraska-Kansas Stateline, Republican R Nr Hardy.
Where does Superior's water come from?
Superior's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,979 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Courtland Canal At Nebraska-Kansas Stateline (stream), Republican R Nr Hardy (river).
What Superior 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.
Superior'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 droughtNuckolls 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
Nuckolls County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Superior'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. | 5.8 | 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. | 1.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Superior compares by contaminant
Explore where Superior ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Superior's water comes from
Superior'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 1,979 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Superior
Superior is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Superior
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUPERIOR, CITY OF | NE3112904 | 1,979 | GW |
How Superior compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Superior's score of 90.3/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Superior, NE
Wikipedia →Superior is a city in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2020 census, Superior had a population of 1,825.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Superior's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nuckolls
Frequently asked questions
Is Superior, NE tap water safe to drink?
Superior's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #68 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Superior's water?
Lead was measured at 5.8 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Superior'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 Superior?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Superior's water come from?
Superior's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,979 residents.
What health violations has Superior's water system had?
Superior has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2006. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Superior's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Superior 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 5 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 Superior's water compare to other cities?
Superior ranks #68 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 66% of state cities) and #2303 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.
Does Superior's small water system affect quality?
Superior's system serves approximately 1,979 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 5 violations on record.