Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT

Omaha Public Schools (NE): 28 Health Violations

33 ZIP codes · 13 water systems · 20,495,357 people served · Updated 2026-07-23

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Omaha Public Schools: 57 unresolved violations in the water systems serving this district.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-23

D · 49
Avg Safety Score
33
ZIP Codes
13
Water Systems
341
Violations (5yr)
0.0106 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
Zone 1
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Omaha Public Schools in Nebraska spans 33 ZIP codes served by 13 community water systems, providing water to approximately 20,495,357 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is D (49/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 41/100 .

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 85% nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure - Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") - Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate - Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts - Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0106 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0123 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 33 -

EPA Violation History

28 health-based violations recorded across 32 of 33 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 57 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 85 No 29
Total Coliform Microbiological 84 No 28
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 57 No 29
Arsenic Inorganic 56 Yes 28
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 31 No 31
Fecal Coliform Microbiological 28 No 28

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)

33 of 33 ZIP codes are in the highest radon risk zone. Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the U.S. - homes and school buildings in Zone 1 should be tested.

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
68102 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68104 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68105 Omaha D (51) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68106 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68107 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68108 Omaha D (51) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68110 Omaha D (51) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68111 Omaha D (51) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68112 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68114 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68116 Omaha D (51) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68117 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68122 Omaha D (51) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68124 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68127 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68131 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68132 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68134 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68137 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68142 Omaha D (41) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68144 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68152 Omaha D (51) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68154 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68157 Omaha D (46) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68164 Omaha D (51) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68178 Omaha D (41) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68182 Omaha D (41) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68183 Omaha D (41) 12 1 0.0123 mg/L No
68133 Papillion C (68) 2 0 0.0028 mg/L No
68005 Bellevue C (55) 1 0 0.0006 mg/L No
68123 Bellevue C (55) 1 0 0.0006 mg/L No
68147 Bellevue C (65) 1 0 0.0006 mg/L No
68007 Bennington B (70) 0 0 0.00158 mg/L No

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT 660,000 Surface water 68005, 68007, 68102 +30 more
City of Papillion, 35,000 Groundwater 68123, 68133, 68157
Washington Company Rural Water 1 1,964 Surface water 68112, 68152
Lakeland Estates Water Company 1,552 Surface water 68102, 68104, 68105 +25 more
SPRINGFIELD, CITY OF 1,529 Groundwater 68133
Sarpy Company Sid 23 - Westmont Subdivision 980 Groundwater 68102, 68104, 68105 +25 more
Maplewood Estates Mobile Home Park 805 Surface water 68102, 68104, 68105 +25 more
Meadowbrook Estates Water System 675 Surface water 68102, 68104, 68105 +25 more

13 water systems total serve this district.

Lead Risk Assessment

Lead risk: ELEVATED. 25 ZIP codes in this district have high lead exposure risk scores based on housing age and infrastructure.

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 64.7% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 20.8% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 19.3% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.0106 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.0123 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

1 health-based contaminant have triggered violations in this district: Arsenic.
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 85 No 29
Total Coliform Microbiological 84 No 28
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 57 No 29
Arsenic Inorganic 56 Yes 28
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 31 No 31
Fecal Coliform Microbiological 28 No 28

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 68005 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 68102 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 68102 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 68102 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 68102 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Omaha Public Schools Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Omaha Public Schools area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 28 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • 64.7% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.
  • 57 violations remain unresolved, meaning the issues have not been officially corrected.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Omaha Public Schools school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.
  3. Contact your water utility about the 57 unresolved violations in the district. Ask for a timeline for resolution.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school - The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Consider a water filter for your home - NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) filters are certified to remove lead. This is especially important for infant formula preparation.
  4. Pack water from home - If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  5. Stay informed - Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Omaha Public Schools schools?

Water systems serving Omaha Public Schools have recorded 28 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Omaha Public Schools test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Home → School Districts → Nebraska → Omaha Public Schools

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Omaha Public Schools (NE): 28 Health Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/schools/omaha-public-schools-ne/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-omaha-public-schools-ne,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Omaha Public Schools (NE): 28 Health Violations}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/omaha-public-schools-ne/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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