Lithium Contamination

Lithium in Nebraska Drinking Water

Ranked by max lithium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 5 data (2023–2025) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Detected

100%

% Detected

36.5 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

195

Health Violations

Analysis

Lithium in Nebraska: what the data shows

Nebraska has 47 cities with lithium data from the EPA's UCMR 5 program (2023–2025). Lithium was detected in 47 of those cities. There is currently no federal MCL or health advisory for lithium — the state average max detected level is 36.5 µg/L. Nationally, lithium is detected in roughly 28% of sampled water systems. Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in arid western states, and is concentrated in some surface waters near industrial discharge or geothermal sources. UCMR 5 added lithium monitoring in 2023, providing the first systematic national snapshot of public-water lithium levels. At therapeutic doses (administered as a medication), lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder. Chronic low-dose exposure from drinking water has been associated in some studies with effects on thyroid function and possibly mood. The most protective state guidance value is around 60 µg/L. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange are effective removal methods.

Comparison

Cities exceeding No federal MCL or HA

Nebraska

100%

47 of 47 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

2808 of 2808 cities

City Map

Lithium data across Nebraska

Each dot is a city with UCMR 5 lithium testing data. Detected cities are shown — there is no federal limit, though some states use 60 µg/L as a screening level. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by lithium level in Nebraska

Highest Lithium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Nebraska cities ranked by lithium level

#	City	Level	Detected?	Violations	Grade
1	Omaha	102.0 µg/L	Detected	14	C-
2	South Sioux City	97.3 µg/L	Detected	2	B+
3	Norfolk	80.2 µg/L	Detected	5	B+
4	Lexington	69.6 µg/L	Detected	31	B-
5	Blair	67.3 µg/L	Detected	51	C+
6	Mccook	66.2 µg/L	Detected	35	B-
7	Alliance	50.0 µg/L	Detected	24	A
8	Bennet (Bennett)	47.6 µg/L	Detected	13	A-
9	Schuyler	47.2 µg/L	Detected	21	A-
10	Arlington	47.0 µg/L	Detected	2	A
11	Scottsbluff	46.0 µg/L	Detected	20	A-
12	Broken Bow	45.5 µg/L	Detected	5	A
13	Nebraska City	44.0 µg/L	Detected	6	A-
14	Kearney	38.7 µg/L	Detected	45	C+
15	Cozad	38.3 µg/L	Detected	4	A+
16	Falls City	38.0 µg/L	Detected	3	A
17	Fremont	36.4 µg/L	Detected	51	C+
18	York	35.9 µg/L	Detected	42	C-
19	Wahoo	35.5 µg/L	Detected	15	B+
20	Columbus	34.0 µg/L	Detected	75	F
21	Gering	34.0 µg/L	Detected	36	B+
22	Benkelman	31.0 µg/L	Detected	67	B+
23	Grand Island	30.9 µg/L	Detected	4	B
24	Plattsmouth	30.9 µg/L	Detected	2	B
25	West Point	30.6 µg/L	Detected	5	A-
26	Wayne	30.0 µg/L	Detected	18	A-
27	Imperial	28.7 µg/L	Detected	3	A+
28	Ogallala	28.3 µg/L	Detected	22	A
29	Elwood	28.0 µg/L	Detected	21	B
30	North Platte	27.0 µg/L	Detected	36	C+
31	Fairbury	26.0 µg/L	Detected	5	A-
32	Sidney	25.3 µg/L	Detected	28	A
33	Chadron	24.4 µg/L	Detected	29	D+
34	Crete	24.0 µg/L	Detected	4	A+
35	Alma	23.9 µg/L	Detected	13	A
36	Lincoln	23.7 µg/L	Detected	64	C-
37	Beaver City	23.7 µg/L	Detected	2	B+
38	Beatrice	23.0 µg/L	Detected	15	A-
39	Holdrege	22.9 µg/L	Detected	16	A
40	Auburn	21.8 µg/L	Detected	14	A-
41	Hastings	20.0 µg/L	Detected	14	B-
42	Gretna	19.1 µg/L	Detected	30	C+
43	Papillion	18.0 µg/L	Detected	17	C+
44	Gothenburg	18.0 µg/L	Detected	2	A-
45	Aurora	16.0 µg/L	Detected	8	A-
46	O'Neill	11.4 µg/L	Detected	24	A-
47	Seward	10.5 µg/L	Detected	25	A-

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about lithium in Nebraska

Is lithium in Nebraska tap water harmful?

Lithium has no federal MCL or health advisory. Some state agencies use 60 µg/L as a screening level. 47 cities in Nebraska had detectable lithium in UCMR 5 testing. Therapeutic lithium doses (used to treat bipolar disorder) are far higher than typical drinking-water levels, but chronic low-level exposure has been studied for potential thyroid and mood effects.

Where does lithium in tap water come from?

Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, especially in arid western states with lithium-bearing geology (parts of Nevada, California, North Carolina, Texas). It can also enter water from industrial sources such as battery manufacturing, ceramics, and lithium-mining wastewater. Geothermal hot springs are another natural source.

How can I remove lithium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis is highly effective at removing lithium, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Ion exchange systems and distillation also work well. Standard activated carbon filters are NOT effective against lithium. If you rely on a private well in a lithium-rich geological area, consider testing.

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