Is Wood River, 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 ↓
88.9/100
waterverge.com Wood River, NE — Water Quality Report
Wood River's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,204 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 7 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wood River's water
Wood River ranks #85 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Wood River 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, Wood River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wood River, NE water safe to drink?
Wood River's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,204 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wood River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wood River's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
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-3245). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wood River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wood River's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hall County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Wood River's water come from?
Wood River's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,204 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Wood River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wood River'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.
Wood River'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 Wood River
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wood River, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PLATTE VALLEY ENERGETICS LLC ALDA, NE68810 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
GREEN PLAINS WOOD RIVER LLC WOOD RIVER, NE68883 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Wood River
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.
- CORNHUSKER ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT9.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHall 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
Hall County has experienced 5 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wood River compares by contaminant
Explore where Wood River ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wood River's water comes from
Wood River'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 1,204 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Wood River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOOD RIVER, CITY OF | NE3107901 | 1,204 | GW |
How Wood River compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Wood River's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Wood River, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wood River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hall
Frequently asked questions
Is Wood River, NE tap water safe to drink?
Wood River's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #85 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Wood River's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Wood River'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 Wood River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wood River's water come from?
Wood River's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,204 residents.
What health violations has Wood River's water system had?
Wood River has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wood River's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wood River 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 7 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 Wood River's water compare to other cities?
Wood River ranks #85 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 57% of state cities) and #3178 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wood River's small water system affect quality?
Wood River's system serves approximately 1,204 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 7 violations on record.