Is Union, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
80.6/100
waterverge.com Union, NE — Water Quality Report
Union's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 616 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 48 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Union's water
Union ranks #165 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Union 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, Union may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Union, NE water safe to drink?
Union's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 616 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Union
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Union's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Union'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
Union's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Cass 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 Weeping Water Creek At Union, Nebr., Missouri River At Nebraska City.
Where does Union's water come from?
Union's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 616 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Weeping Water Creek At Union, Nebr. (river), Missouri River At Nebraska City (river).
What Union residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Union'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Union'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 droughtCass 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
Cass 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 Union'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. | 3.3 | 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. | 2.32 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Union compares by contaminant
Explore where Union ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Union's water comes from
Union'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 616 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Union
Union is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Union
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASS CO SID #1 - LAKE WA-CON-DA VILLAGE | NE3102519 | 420 | GW |
| UNION, VILLAGE OF | NE3102505 | 196 | GW |
How Union compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Union's score of 80.6/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Union, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Union's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cass
Frequently asked questions
Is Union, NE tap water safe to drink?
Union's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #165 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Union's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Union'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 Union?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Union's water come from?
Union's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 616 residents.
What health violations has Union's water system had?
Union has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Union's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Union 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 48 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 Union's water compare to other cities?
Union ranks #165 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 18% of state cities) and #7803 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.