Is Tecumseh, 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 ↓
85.6/100
waterverge.com Tecumseh, NE — Water Quality Report
Tecumseh's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,415 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 15 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tecumseh's water
Tecumseh ranks #130 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Tecumseh 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 Tecumseh, NE water safe to drink?
Tecumseh's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,415 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tecumseh
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tecumseh's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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-1902). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tecumseh'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
Tecumseh's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Johnson County has experienced 7 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 Tecumseh's water come from?
Tecumseh's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,415 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Tecumseh residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tecumseh's water.
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.
Tecumseh'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 Tecumseh
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tecumseh, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TECUMSEH POULTRY LLC (DBA MBA POULTRY) TECUMSEH, NE68450 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Johnson County has experienced 7 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 Tecumseh'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. | 1.8 | 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. | 3.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.440 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Tecumseh compares by contaminant
Explore where Tecumseh ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tecumseh's water comes from
Tecumseh'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 3,415 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Tecumseh
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TECUMSEH, CITY OF | NE3109705 | 2,438 | GW |
| JOHNSON CO RWD 1 | NE3109704 | 977 | GW |
How Tecumseh compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Tecumseh's score of 85.6/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Tecumseh, NE
Wikipedia →Tecumseh is a city in and the county seat of Johnson County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2020 census, Tecumseh had a population of 1,694.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tecumseh's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnson
Frequently asked questions
Is Tecumseh, NE tap water safe to drink?
Tecumseh's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #130 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Tecumseh's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Tecumseh'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 Tecumseh?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tecumseh's water come from?
Tecumseh's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,415 residents.
What health violations has Tecumseh's water system had?
Tecumseh has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tecumseh's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tecumseh 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 Tecumseh's water compare to other cities?
Tecumseh ranks #130 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 35% of state cities) and #5215 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.