Is Valley, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Valley, NE — Water Quality Report
Valley's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,744 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 8 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Valley's water
Valley ranks #94 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Valley 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 Valley, NE water safe to drink?
Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,744 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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-4013). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Valley's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Douglas County has experienced 8 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 West Papillion Creek At Elkhorn, Nebr., South Papillion Creek Near Gretna, Nebr., Platte River Near Leshara, Nebr., Platte River Near Venice, Nebr., Elkhorn River At Waterloo, Nebr..
Where does Valley's water come from?
Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,744 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include West Papillion Creek At Elkhorn, Nebr. (river), South Papillion Creek Near Gretna, Nebr. (river), Platte River Near Leshara, Nebr. (river), Platte River Near Venice, Nebr. (river), Elkhorn River At Waterloo, Nebr. (river).
What Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Valley'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.
Valley'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 Valley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Valley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,183 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VALMONT INDUSTRIES INC VALLEY, NE68064 | Zinc compounds | 887 | 0.9 mi |
CITY OF FREMONT DEPARTMENT OF UTILITIES LON D WRIGHT POWER FREMONT, NE68025 | Copper compounds | 296 | 9.8 mi |
READY MIXED CONCRETE CO ELKHORN PLANT ELKHORN, NE68022 | Lead | 0 | 7.9 mi |
CONCRETE SUPPLY ELKHORN, NE68022 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
LINCOLN PREMIUM POULTRY FREMONT, NE68025 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Valley
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- OLD HWY 275 AND N 288TH STREET1.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Douglas County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Valley ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Valley's water comes from
Valley'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 3,744 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Valley
Valley is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VALLEY, CITY OF | NE3105518 | 3,294 | GW |
| DOUGLAS CO SID 284 -TRAILRIDGE RANCHES | NE3105522 | 450 | GW |
How Valley compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Valley's score of 88.3/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Valley, NE
Wikipedia →Valley is a city in Douglas County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 3,037 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Valley, NE tap water safe to drink?
Valley's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #94 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Valley'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 Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Valley's water come from?
Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,744 residents.
What health violations has Valley's water system had?
Valley has 4 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 Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Valley 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 8 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 Valley's water compare to other cities?
Valley ranks #94 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 53% of state cities) and #3513 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.