Is Winnebago, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.6/100
waterverge.com Winnebago, NE — Water Quality Report
Winnebago's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,252 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 52 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Winnebago's water
Winnebago ranks #131 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Winnebago 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, Winnebago may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Winnebago, NE water safe to drink?
Winnebago'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 4 water systems serve approximately 1,252 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Winnebago
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Winnebago's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.6/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Winnebago's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Winnebago's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Thurston 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 South Omaha Creek At Walthill, Nebr., Omaha Creek At Homer, Nebr..
Where does Winnebago's water come from?
Winnebago's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,252 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Omaha Creek At Walthill, Nebr. (river), Omaha Creek At Homer, Nebr. (river).
What Winnebago residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Winnebago'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.
Winnebago'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 Winnebago
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Winnebago, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 943,981 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CF INDUSTRIES NITROGEN LLC-PORT NEAL NITROGEN COMPLEX SERGEANT BLUFF, IA51054 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 876,722 | 7.9 mi |
GELITA SERGEANT BLUFF, IA51054 | Ammonia | 67,134 | 9.9 mi |
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY CO GEORGE NEAL NORTH SERGEANT BLUFF, IA51054 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 123 | 7.9 mi |
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY-GEORGE NEAL SOUTH SALIX, IA51052 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 2 | 7.0 mi |
AG PROCESSING INC SERGEANT BLUFF, IA51054 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Thurston 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Winnebago compares by contaminant
Explore where Winnebago ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Winnebago's water comes from
Winnebago'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 1,252 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Winnebago
Winnebago is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Winnebago
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WINNEBAGO, VILLAGE OF | 070000005 | 787 | GW |
| WINNEBAGO TRIBE POW WOW GROUNDS | 070000006 | 160 | GWP |
| WINNEBAGO TRIBE- THUNDER WAY HOUSING | 070000010 | 160 | GWP |
| WINNEBAGO TRIBE MISSION NORTH | 070000025 | 145 | GWP |
How Winnebago compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Winnebago'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 →ZIP codes served by Winnebago
The water systems serving Winnebago cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Winnebago, NE
Wikipedia →Winnebago is a village in Thurston County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 916 at the 2020 census. The village is known as Nįšoc in the Hoocąk language.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Winnebago's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Winnebago, NE tap water safe to drink?
Winnebago'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 #131 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Winnebago's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is Winnebago'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 Winnebago?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Winnebago's water come from?
Winnebago's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,252 residents.
What health violations has Winnebago's water system had?
Winnebago has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Winnebago's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Winnebago 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 52 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 Winnebago's water compare to other cities?
Winnebago ranks #131 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 35% of state cities) and #5226 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.