Water Quality in Omaha, NE: 588 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 45/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Omaha's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Drinking water compliance data for Omaha, NE reflects 588 EPA violations — details in the grid below.
Water Quality Map: Omaha, NE
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Omaha
Water quality varies across Omaha's 49 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68103 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68109 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68119 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68120 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68135 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68139 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68142 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68145 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68155 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68172 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68175 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68176 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68178 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68179 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
| 68180 | D | 41 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Omaha, Nebraska receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 45 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Omaha have accumulated 588 EPA violations, including 49 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 49 ZIP codes serving approximately 664,012 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Omaha's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Omaha water systems is 0.0123 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 61% of homes built before 1986, Omaha has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Omaha is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Omaha
Omaha is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 664,012 people across 49 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 392 enforcement actions against water systems serving Omaha. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Omaha
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Omaha Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Omaha's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 147 | 49 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 147 | 49 | No |
| Arsenic | Inorganic | 0.01 mg/L | 98 | 49 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 98 | 49 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 49 | 49 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Omaha. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-10-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-05-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-05-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-05-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-10-17.
Omaha vs. Nearby Nebraska Cities
How Omaha's water quality compares to similar cities in Nebraska:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | D | 588 | 5 | 664,012 |
| Boys Town | D | 0 | 1 | 660,000 |
| La Vista | D | 0 | 1 | 660,000 |
| Offutt A F B | D | 0 | 1 | 660,000 |
Recommended Water Filters for Omaha
Based on contaminants detected in Omaha's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Lead
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Omaha
Water quality varies across Omaha's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68103 | 41 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68109 | 41 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68119 | 41 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68120 | 41 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68135 | 41 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68139 | 41 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68142 | 41 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68145 | 41 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68155 | 41 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68172 | 41 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68164 | 51 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68152 | 51 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68138 | 51 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68136 | 51 | D | 12 | 1 |
| 68130 | 51 | D | 12 | 1 |
Common Questions About Omaha Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Omaha, Nebraska:
Is Omaha water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Omaha's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Omaha tap water? Omaha's water receives a grade of D (45/100). There are 49 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Omaha? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Omaha vs. Nebraska Average
Understanding how Omaha compares to the broader Nebraska average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Omaha.
ZIP Codes in Omaha
Omaha spans 49 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 68101. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.