WaterVerge

Is Yutan, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Yutan ranks. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NE3115515
Overall Score
95.8 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#10 of 200 in Nebraska Top 2% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
95.8/100
waterverge.com
A+ 95.8/100

Yutan, NE — Water Quality Report

Yutan's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,274 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 8 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Yutan's water

Yutan ranks #10 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Yutan 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, Yutan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
95.8 out of 100 Grade A+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.8/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Yutan, NE water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Yutan's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,274 residents using groundwater (wells).

None
Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Yutan

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Yutan's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.8/100).

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUEES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3245). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Yutan's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Yutan's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

MCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2014 Nitrate-Nitrite Resolved
Oct 2013 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Sep 2013 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Aug 2013 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Nov 2011 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Saunders 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., Platte River Near Leshara, Nebr., Platte River Near Venice, Nebr., Elkhorn River At Waterloo, Nebr., Wahoo Creek At Ithaca, Nebr..

SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4420
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUEES
Hurricane FEMA DR-3245
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-998

Where does Yutan's water come from?

Yutan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,274 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), Platte River Near Leshara, Nebr. (river), Platte River Near Venice, Nebr. (river), Elkhorn River At Waterloo, Nebr. (river), Wahoo Creek At Ithaca, Nebr. (river).

What Yutan residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Yutan'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

8
Total violations
8
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Oct 2014
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

8 Total
0 Active
8 Health-based
8 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
7
Nitrate Rule
1
Oct 2014 Resolved
Nitrate-Nitrite
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2014
Oct 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2013
Sep 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2013
Aug 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2013
Nov 2011 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2011
Aug 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2007
Oct 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 1998
Sep 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1997
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Yutan

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Yutan, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 145,463 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC.
Food · DARLING INGREDIENTS INC
WAHOO, NE68066
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)144,5768.2 mi
VALMONT INDUSTRIES INC
Fabricated Metals · VALMONT INDUSTRIES INC
VALLEY, NE68064
Zinc compounds8875.6 mi
READY MIXED CONCRETE CO ELKHORN PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CRH AMERICAS INC
ELKHORN, NE68022
Lead09.5 mi
CONCRETE SUPPLY
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · RASMUSSEN GROUP
ELKHORN, NE68022
8.8 mi
MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH
Chemicals · MERCK & CO INC
ELKHORN, NE68022
7.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Yutan

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Saunders 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.

7
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
15.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
7
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Mar 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Saunders 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.

Mar 2019
SEVERE WINTER STORM, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4420
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUEES
Hurricane FEMA #3245
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #998
Apr 1993
ICE JAMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #983
Mar 1978
STORMS, ICE JAMS, SNOWMELT & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #552
Oct 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #406

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.1 ppb from 2004 (2.1 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,274
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Yutan's water comes from

Groundwater

Yutan'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 1,274 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Yutan

Yutan is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

West Papillion Creek At Elkhorn, Nebr.
river
Platte River Near Leshara, Nebr.
river
Platte River Near Venice, Nebr.
river
Elkhorn River At Waterloo, Nebr.
river
Wahoo Creek At Ithaca, Nebr.
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Yutan

System Name PWSID Population Source
YUTAN, CITY OF NE3115515 1,274 GW
Regional Comparison

How Yutan compares

Full Nebraska rankings →

Yutan's score of 95.8/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Yutan (this city)
95.8
Omaha
56.5
Lincoln
56.5
Kearney
70
Nebraska avg
66
City Profile

About Yutan, NE

Economic Profile
$84,531
Median Income
$176,598
Median Home Value
$1,332/mo
Median Rent
3.9%
Unemployment
Community
35.2
Median Age
976
People / sq mi
24.6%
College Educated
83.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Yutan, NE tap water safe to drink?

Yutan's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #10 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.

What contaminants are in Yutan's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.

How is Yutan'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 Yutan?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Yutan's water come from?

Yutan's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,274 residents.

What health violations has Yutan's water system had?

Yutan has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.

Is Yutan's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Yutan 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 Yutan's water compare to other cities?

Yutan ranks #10 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 95% of state cities) and #274 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Yutan's small water system affect quality?

Yutan's system serves approximately 1,274 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.