CITY REPORT NE

Mitchell, NE: 2 Violations — 79/100 (2026)

1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03

EPA compliance records for Mitchell tell a largely clear story: violation rates are low, health-based exceedances are uncommon, and the city's grade puts it well above average within NE.

How Mitchell Compares

Mitchell79/100
Nebraska avg65/100
National avg67/100

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

1
ZIP Codes
3
Water Systems
1
ZIPs with Violations
B · 79
Avg Safety Score
Zone 2
Radon Risk (Moderate)
$179K
Median Home Value
$1,600
Est. Remediation (0.9% of home value)

Key Facts for Mitchell Residents

  • Your city's water systems recorded 2 violations in the past 5 years.
  • Average lead level: 0.0032 mg/L.
  • Homes built before 1986: 86% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
  • Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
  • CDC health risk index: 13.71 — above typical levels.

Mitchell's Water Providers

3 independent water providers serve Mitchell, NE — 3 systems appear in federal records.

City of Gering,
Serves ~8,500 people · 2 violations
79
/100
City of Mitchell,
Serves ~1,526 people · 2 violations
79
/100
Scotts Bluff Company Sid 13 (hilyard Subd)
Serves ~28 people · 2 violations
79
/100

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mitchell, Nebraska (population ~3,563), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 10,054 people region-wide.

1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Mitchell: B (79/100)

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

Mitchell water systems draw from: Groundwater.

Lead & Copper

  • Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0032 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)

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 4 1

Areas with Most Violations

ZIP Code Safety Score Violations Health-Based System
69357 B 2 0 City of Mitchell,

All ZIP Codes in Mitchell

  • 69357 [B] — 2 violations

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Mitchell Community Health Snapshot

9.2%
Asthma (US: 9.8%)
13%
Diabetes (US: 10.4%)
14.1%
Poor Mental Health (US: 14.8%)

Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.

Compared to National Average

Asthma 9.2% ↓
Diabetes 13% ↑
Mental Health 14.1% ↓

Vertical line = national average. Above national · Below national

What's in Mitchell's Water?

Stage 2 DBP Rule 4 violations
Treatment Technique
Disinfection byproduct exposure risk

Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.

Mitchell Infrastructure Age

1962
Median Build Year
86%
Built Before 1986
44%
Built Before 1970
Galvanized Steel or Copper
Likely Pipe Material

With 86% 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 1962, as in Mitchell, 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.

1962
Median Year Built
86%
Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)
44%
Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)
Pre-1970 (44%) 1970–1986 (42%) Post-1986 (14%)

Over half of homes in Mitchell 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.

How Remediation Costs Compare in Mitchell

The household financial picture for Mitchell homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.

Median Home Value
$179,200
Est. Remediation
$1,600
Remediation as % of home value 0.9%

Remediation costs in Mitchell are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 3% above the Nebraska average.

Mitchell: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations

86%
Homes Built Before 1986
0.0032
mg/L Avg Lead (Limit: 0.015)

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.

After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 86% of the Mitchell inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

Mitchell: Flood History & Water Damage Risk

Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Mitchell shows a moderate flood record — 1 claim and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.

1
Total FEMA Flood Claims
$13,069
Avg Claim Payout
100%
ZIPs in FEMA Flood Zones

Mitchell has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $13,069 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>$1,600</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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink in Mitchell, NE?
Mitchell has an average water safety score of 79/100 (Grade B). 2 EPA violations have been recorded. Check individual ZIP code reports for details specific to your neighborhood.
How many water violations does Mitchell have?
Mitchell water systems have a total of 2 EPA violations. Violations are tracked across 1 ZIP code.
Does Mitchell water have lead?
The average 90th-percentile lead level in Mitchell is 0.0032 mg/L. This is below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. Lead levels can vary by home — testing is recommended especially in older properties.
How does Mitchell compare to Nebraska average?
Mitchell has an average water safety score of 79/100, which is above the Nebraska state average of 65/100.
How many water systems serve Mitchell?
Mitchell is served by 3 public water systems across 1 ZIP code, serving approximately 3,563 people.
How much does it cost to fix water issues in Mitchell?
Estimated remediation costs in Mitchell average $1,600 per household, ranging from $800 to $2,600. Costs include filtration, pipe replacement, radon mitigation, and flood protection.
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