Is Waverly, 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 ↓
86.1/100
waterverge.com Waverly, NE — Water Quality Report
Waverly's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,319 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 12 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Waverly's water
Waverly ranks #126 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Waverly 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 Waverly, NE water safe to drink?
Waverly's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,319 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Waverly
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waverly's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Waverly'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
Waverly's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lancaster County has experienced 6 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 Deadmans Run At 38Th Street At Lincoln, Nebr., Salt Creek At 70Th Street At Lincoln, Nebr., Stevens Creek Near Lincoln, Nebr., Rock Creek Near Ceresco, Nebr., Salt Creek At Greenwood, Nebr..
Where does Waverly's water come from?
Waverly's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,319 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Deadmans Run At 38Th Street At Lincoln, Nebr. (river), Salt Creek At 70Th Street At Lincoln, Nebr. (river), Stevens Creek Near Lincoln, Nebr. (river), Rock Creek Near Ceresco, Nebr. (river), Salt Creek At Greenwood, Nebr. (river).
What Waverly 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.
Waverly'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 Waverly
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Waverly, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 56 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CONTITECH USA LLC LINCOLN, NE68504 | Zinc compounds | 56 | 7.0 mi |
TECUMSEH POULTRY LLC - WAVERLY PLANT WAVERLY, NE68462 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
NEENAH FOUNDRY CO LINCOLN OPERATIONS LINCOLN, NE68507 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
THE CLEAVER BROOKS CO INC. LINCOLN, NE68507 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
PURINA ANIMAL NUTRITION LLC - LINCOLN LINCOLN, NE68507 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLancaster County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Lancaster County has experienced 6 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 Waverly'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. | 1.5 | 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. | 1.67 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Waverly compares by contaminant
Explore where Waverly ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waverly's water comes from
Waverly'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 4,319 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Waverly
Waverly is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Waverly
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAVERLY, CITY OF | NE3110905 | 4,279 | GW |
| CATHOLIC CENTER | NE3110903 | 40 | GW |
How Waverly compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Waverly's score of 86.1/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Waverly, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waverly's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lancaster
Frequently asked questions
Is Waverly, NE tap water safe to drink?
Waverly's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #126 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Waverly's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Waverly'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 Waverly?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Waverly's water come from?
Waverly's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,319 residents.
What health violations has Waverly's water system had?
Waverly has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Waverly's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Waverly 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 12 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 Waverly's water compare to other cities?
Waverly ranks #126 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 37% of state cities) and #4923 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.