Water Quality in Steele City, NE: 16 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 24/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Steele City's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for Steele City, NE, the record shows 16 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Steele City
Water quality varies across Steele City's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68440 | F | 24 | 16 | 15 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Steele City.
Water Quality Overview
Steele City, Nebraska receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 24 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Steele City have accumulated 16 EPA violations, including 15 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 60 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Steele City's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Steele City water systems is 0.0135 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 72% of homes built before 1986, Steele City 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
Steele City 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 Steele City
Steele City is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 60 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Steele City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Steele City
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 Steele City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Steele City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | Inorganic | 0.01 mg/L | 15 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Steele City:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 4 | 4 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 3 | 3 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Steele City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-10-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-08-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-08-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-08-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-06-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-06-05 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-06-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-04-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-04-02 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-10-17.
Steele City vs. Nearby Nebraska Cities
How Steele City's water quality compares to similar cities in Nebraska:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steele City | F | 16 | 1 | 60 |
| Gilead | D | 0 | 1 | 60 |
| Inavale | D | 0 | 1 | 60 |
| Reynolds | C | 0 | 1 | 60 |
Common Questions About Steele City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Steele City, Nebraska:
Is Steele City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Steele City's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Steele City tap water? Steele City's water receives a grade of F (24/100). There are 15 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Steele City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Steele City vs. Nebraska Average
Understanding how Steele City 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 Steele City.
ZIP Codes in Steele City
Steele City spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 68440. 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.