Although conditions vary by service area, Omaha's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within NE — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04

Water Quality Map: Omaha, NE

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 49 ZIP codes in Omaha, Nebraska, covering 9 community water systems serving approximately 564,566 people.

49 of 49 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 49 health-based violations documented.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Omaha: D (45/100)

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

Omaha water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.

Lead & Copper

• Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0123 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)

• Zone 1 (High): 49 ZIP codes
• Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
• Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Top Contaminants

Areas with Most Violations

All ZIP Codes in Omaha

• 68101 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68102 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68103 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68104 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68105 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68106 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68107 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68108 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68109 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68110 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68111 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68112 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68114 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68116 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68117 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68118 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68119 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68120 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68122 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68124 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68127 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68130 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68131 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68132 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68134 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68135 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68136 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68137 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68138 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68139 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68142 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68144 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68145 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68152 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68154 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68155 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68157 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68164 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68172 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68175 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68176 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68178 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68179 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68180 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68181 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68182 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68183 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68197 [D] — 12 violations ⚠
• 68198 [D] — 12 violations ⚠

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.

Housing Age Profile

When a city's housing median build year is 1972, as in Omaha, 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.

1972

Median Year Built

61%

Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)

29%

Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)

Pre-1970 (29%) 1970–1986 (32%) Post-1986 (39%)

Over half of homes in Omaha 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.

Omaha: Remediation Cost in Perspective

Equity impact data for Omaha lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.

Median Home Value

$232,800

Est. Remediation

$2,320

Remediation as % of home value 1.0%

Remediation costs in Omaha are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,506–$3,331 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 34% above the Nebraska average.

Protecting Children from Lead in Omaha

61%

Homes Built Before 1986

0.0123

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 61% of the Omaha 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.

Climate-Related Water Risk for Omaha

Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Omaha has accumulated 466 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 59% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.

466

Total FEMA Flood Claims

$13,222

Avg Claim Payout

59%

ZIPs in FEMA Flood Zones

~23

Est. Claims/Year

Omaha has a moderate flood history with 466 FEMA claims averaging $13,222 per payout. 59% 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>$2,320</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.