Kearney, NE: 4 Violations — 76/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to statewide averages in NE, Kearney scores well — health violations are below the norm and systems generally operate within federal standards.
How Kearney Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Kearney Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 4 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0055 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,650 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.09 — above typical levels.
Kearney's Water Providers
Residential water in Kearney, NE is supplied by 3 separate utilities — not one centralized authority. Each of those providers operates under its own service territory boundary, maintains its own distribution infrastructure, and files compliance documentation with the EPA on its own timeline. Federal data counts 5 water systems in the area, with these providers collectively accounting for the dominant share of household connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Kearney, Nebraska, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 40,270 people.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kearney: B (76/100)
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
Kearney water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0055 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 1 ZIP code
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 5 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68845 | B | 1 | 0 | City of Kearney, |
| 68847 | C | 1 | 0 | City of Kearney, |
| 68848 | B | 1 | 0 | City of Kearney, |
| 68849 | B | 1 | 0 | City of Kearney, |
All ZIP Codes in Kearney
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.
Kearney Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Kearney's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Kearney
Remediation costs in Kearney are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Kearney are relatively low compared to home values. The $900–$2,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 58% above the Nebraska average.
Kearney: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Lead risk in Kearney appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Kearney: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Kearney's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 36 NFIP claims on record and 50% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Kearney has a moderate flood history with 36 FEMA claims averaging $191,876 per payout. 50% 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>$1,650</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Kearney, NE