Is Waterloo, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.6/100
waterverge.com Waterloo, NE — Water Quality Report
Waterloo's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 962 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 11.7 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Waterloo's water
Waterloo ranks #164 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
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, Waterloo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Waterloo, NE water safe to drink?
Waterloo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (80.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 962 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Waterloo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waterloo's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Waterloo'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.
Violation history
Waterloo's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 3 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 Big Papillion Creek Near Bennington, Nebr., West Papillion Creek At Elkhorn, Nebr., West Papillion Creek At Pacific St At Omaha, Nebr., South Papillion Creek Near Gretna, Nebr., South Papillion Creek At Chalco, Nebr..
Where does Waterloo's water come from?
Waterloo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 962 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Big Papillion Creek Near Bennington, Nebr. (river), West Papillion Creek At Elkhorn, Nebr. (river), West Papillion Creek At Pacific St At Omaha, Nebr. (river), South Papillion Creek Near Gretna, Nebr. (river), South Papillion Creek At Chalco, Nebr. (river).
What Waterloo 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.
Waterloo'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 Waterloo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Waterloo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 887 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VALMONT INDUSTRIES INC VALLEY, NE68064 | Zinc compounds | 887 | 4.8 mi |
READY MIXED CONCRETE CO ELKHORN PLANT ELKHORN, NE68022 | Lead | 0 | 4.0 mi |
READY MIXED CONCRETE CO MILLARD PLANT OMAHA, NE68137 | Lead | 0 | 9.8 mi |
CONCRETE SUPPLY ELKHORN, NE68022 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH ELKHORN, NE68022 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Waterloo
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 STREET5.0 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Waterloo'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. | 11.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Waterloo compares by contaminant
Explore where Waterloo ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waterloo's water comes from
Waterloo's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 962 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Waterloo
Waterloo is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Waterloo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WATERLOO, VILLAGE OF | NE3105517 | 962 | SWP |
How Waterloo compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Waterloo'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 Waterloo, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waterloo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Waterloo, NE tap water safe to drink?
Waterloo'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 #164 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Waterloo's water?
Lead was measured at 11.7 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Waterloo'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 Waterloo?
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 Waterloo's water come from?
Waterloo's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 962 residents.
How does Waterloo's water compare to other cities?
Waterloo ranks #164 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 18% of state cities) and #7796 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Waterloo's small water system affect quality?
Waterloo's system serves approximately 962 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 8 violations on record.