Gretna, NE: High Radon Risk — 60/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compliance figures for Gretna indicate average water quality in NE overall — some service areas have recorded health-based violations in recent monitoring cycles, while others operate cleanly, making system-level data the most actionable reference point for residents.
How Gretna Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Gretna Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0013 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 20% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.97.
Water Systems Serving Gretna
Federal drinking water records identify 6 systems in Gretna, NE. The leading 3 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Gretna, Nebraska (population ~17,248), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 671,117 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Gretna — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Gretna: C (60/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Gretna water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0013 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68028 | C | City of Gretna, | 8,661 |
All ZIP Codes in Gretna
- 68028 [C]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Gretna
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Gretna's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
A median build year of 2004 in Gretna points to a housing stock where post-1986 construction is the norm. That matters because lead solder in plumbing — banned federally in 1986 — is a primary pathway by which older homes can elevate tap water lead above what enters the distribution system.
Most homes in Gretna were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Gretna: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Gretna, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in Gretna are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 113% above the Nebraska average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Gretna
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Where pre-rule stock represents a smaller fraction of the inventory — 20% across Gretna — the structural drivers of household exposure run thinner. Aggregate readings under the federal benchmark reinforce that picture, with one-home draws remaining the only direct measurement for a specific address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Gretna
FEMA data shows 100% of Gretna's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 76 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Gretna has a moderate flood history with 76 FEMA claims averaging $18,557 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,400</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Gretna
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Gretna, NE