Is Syracuse, 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 ↓
91.4/100
waterverge.com Syracuse, NE — Water Quality Report
Syracuse's drinking water received a grade of A (91.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,092 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 11 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Syracuse's water
Syracuse ranks #54 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Syracuse 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Syracuse, NE water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Syracuse's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (91.4/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,092 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Syracuse
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Syracuse's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.4/100).
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 Syracuse'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
Syracuse's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Otoe County has experienced 8 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 Syracuse's water come from?
Syracuse's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 5,092 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Syracuse 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.
Syracuse'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 droughtOtoe 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
Otoe County has experienced 8 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 Syracuse'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. | 3.0 | 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. | 1.62 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Syracuse compares by contaminant
Explore where Syracuse ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Syracuse's water comes from
Syracuse'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 5,092 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Syracuse
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTOE CO RWD #3 | NE3113103 | 2,500 | GW |
| SYRACUSE, CITY OF | NE3113104 | 1,962 | GW |
| OTOE CO. RWD #3 - LOUISVILLE | NE3121382 | 630 | GWP |
How Syracuse compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Syracuse's score of 91.4/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Syracuse, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Syracuse's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Otoe
Frequently asked questions
Is Syracuse, NE tap water safe to drink?
Syracuse's water quality earned a grade of A (91.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #54 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Syracuse's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Syracuse'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 Syracuse?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Syracuse's water come from?
Syracuse's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 5,092 residents.
What health violations has Syracuse's water system had?
Syracuse has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Syracuse's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Syracuse 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 11 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 Syracuse's water compare to other cities?
Syracuse ranks #54 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 73% of state cities) and #1700 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.