B61/100
Blair Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 13,214 residents · Nebraska
What's In Blair's Tap Water?
34
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
7
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
4
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Reporting violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
When: July 1, 2024 – July 16, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: February 1, 2023 – February 28, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Failed treatment technique requirements
When: November 1, 2022 – November 30, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: November 1, 2022 – November 30, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Failed treatment technique requirements
When: January 1, 2022 – January 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2022 – January 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
BLAIR, CITY OF
Population Served
8,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NE3117905
WASHINGTON CO RURAL WATER 1
Population Served
1,964
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NE3120004
DAKOTA CO RURAL WATER
Population Served
2,032
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
NE3120302
WASHINGTON CO RURAL WATER 2
Population Served
1,218
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NE3121200
Frequently Asked Questions About Blair Water
Is Blair tap water safe to drink?
Blair, Nebraska tap water receives a grade of B (61/100), which is considered good. Out of 34 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Blair's water?
Of the 34 contaminants tested in Blair's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Blair have any water quality violations?
Yes, Blair has 40 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include RPT, MCL, TT. 26 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Blair?
Blair water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Blair's tap water come from?
Blair's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BLAIR, CITY OF and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 13,214 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Blair's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Blair's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Blair's water compare to other cities in Nebraska?
Blair's water quality score of 61/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Nebraska state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Blair's water quality?
If you have concerns about Blair's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BLAIR, CITY OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.