Keystone, NE Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water compliance in Keystone falls below the NE baseline — elevated violation rates are on record.
How Keystone Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Keystone Water
- Homes built before 1986: 50% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.98 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Keystone
The structure of water supply in Keystone, NE is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Keystone, Nebraska (population ~127), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 4,878 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Keystone — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Keystone: D (53/100)
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
Keystone water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Keystone
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69144 | D | OGALLALA, CITY OF | 4,878 |
All ZIP Codes in Keystone
- 69144 [D]
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.
Health Outcomes in Keystone
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Keystone
With 50% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
When a city's housing median build year is 1983, as in Keystone, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Keystone were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Keystone Homeowners
What does remediation cost in financial context for Keystone homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in Keystone are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 64% above the Nebraska average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Keystone
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.
When older housing represents 50% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Keystone address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Keystone
- 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. With 50% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Keystone, NE