Ogallala, NE Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems in Ogallala, NE serve households with few reported safety events.
How Ogallala Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Ogallala Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0013 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 76% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.98 — above typical levels.
Ogallala's Water Providers
Most residential addresses in Ogallala, NE are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ogallala, Nebraska, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 5,968 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ogallala — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ogallala: B (83/100)
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
Ogallala 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69153 | B | City of Ogallala, | 4,878 |
All ZIP Codes in Ogallala
- 69153 [B]
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.
Ogallala 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
Ogallala Infrastructure Age
With 76% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Ogallala is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1961 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Ogallala 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 Ogallala
At current valuations, Ogallala falls in the moderate remediation-share tier — a level where treating this as a budgeted line item rather than an ad-hoc expense is the practical approach.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Ogallala. The estimated $800–$2,600 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 14% below the Nebraska average.
Ogallala: 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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 76% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Ogallala.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Ogallala: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
FEMA data shows 100% of Ogallala's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 3 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Ogallala has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $3,823 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ogallala, NE