Red Willow County, Nebraska
5 ZIP codes · Avg score 50/100 · Grade D · Updated 2026-06-03
Red Willow County's 5 ZIP codes show a poor compliance record — repeated MCL exceedances have kept the county in the bottom tier for water safety.
How Red Willow County Compares
How Red Willow County Compares
Red Willow County scores 15 points below the Nebraska state average (65/100) and 18 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Red Willow County, Nebraska
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 14.1 (asthma 9.5%, diabetes 12.1%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,090, driven primarily by energy_code_gap
Infrastructure: 0.494% avg pipe failure probability, 80% of ZIPs at high risk
89% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2021–2025)
↑ Worsening trendEPA violation counts by year across Red Willow County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2025 with 4 violations. Past 5 years: 14 total (14 health-based). Health-based violations are rising versus the prior 2-year window — worth closer monitoring.
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,090
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
5,206 housing units in Red Willow County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Red Willow County
Water safety remediation is a moderate expense relative to home values. Most homeowners can address issues through staged improvements over time.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Red Willow County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 4 systems in Red Willow County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lebanon, Village of | 58 | 14 |
| 2 | INDIANOLA, CITY OF | 584 | 0 |
| 3 | Bartley, Village of | 355 | 0 |
| 4 | Danbury, Village of | 100 | 0 |
All ZIP Codes in Red Willow County
5 ZIP codes tracked in Red Willow County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 69020 | Bartley | 70 | B | 0 | $89K |
| 2 | 69034 | Indianola | 70 | B | 0 | $110K |
| 3 | 69026 | Danbury | 66 | C | 0 | $154K |
| 4 | 69001 | Mc Cook | 45 | D | 0 | $147K |
| 5 | 69036 | Lebanon | 0 | F | 14 (14 health) | $55K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Red Willow County
Strictly editorial — no paid placements influence which guides appear; the selection draws on NSF certifications and EPA detection records for water systems serving this county.
- Best Water Filters for Lead — Lead above EPA action level in 1 ZIP code
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 89% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Red Willow County, Nebraska
Overview
Red Willow County in Nebraska covers 5 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of D (50/100).
1 of 5 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 14 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to Nebraska water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.
What You Can Do
Red Willow County has a grade of D. Here are steps to protect your household.
Test your tap water
Order a certified lab test kit ($20-$50) to check for lead, bacteria, and other contaminants specific to your ZIP code.
Consider a certified water filter
NSF-certified filters can remove most common contaminants. Match the filter to your test results for best protection. Try our filter matcher
Contact your water utility
Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water provider. It details exactly what was found in your water supply.
Check for lead in your home
89% of homes in this county were built before 1978. Older plumbing and solder can leach lead into drinking water, especially in the morning.