C43/100
Kearney Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 34,000 residents · Nebraska
What's In Kearney's Tap Water?
70
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.50 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2016.
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
KEARNEY, CITY OF
Population Served
34,000
Water Source
Groundwater Under Influence of Surface Water
System ID
NE3101906
Frequently Asked Questions About Kearney Water
Is Kearney tap water safe to drink?
Kearney, Nebraska tap water receives a grade of C (43/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 10 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Kearney's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Kearney's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Kearney have any water quality violations?
Yes, Kearney has 10 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2016. Violation types include MCL, MR. 9 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Kearney?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Kearney is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Kearney's tap water come from?
Kearney's drinking water is sourced from groundwater under influence of surface water and supplied by KEARNEY, CITY OF. The system serves approximately 34,000 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Kearney'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. Kearney'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 Kearney's water compare to other cities in Nebraska?
Kearney's water quality score of 43/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Nebraska state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Kearney's water quality?
If you have concerns about Kearney'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 (KEARNEY, 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.