Omaha Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Good news for Omaha residents — your tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards. At 278 ppm (16.3 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 8 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Safe to Drink
Meets all EPA standards
16.3 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Very Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Omaha Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Omaha tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards.
10 contaminants were tested in Omaha's water. 8 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes (TTHM) is at 47.5 ppb — 59% of the EPA limit (80 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. According to the EPA, long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
→ An activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount, or whole-house) effectively reduces trihalomethanes.
Metals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Arsenic at 4.9 ppb (49% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Nitrate at 2.9 ppm (29% of EPA limit).
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — No PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in available test data.
The data below shows test results from 8 water utilities serving 663K people in the Omaha area.
Based on publicly available data from M.U.D. 2024 Water Quality Report – Mineral Analysis table (avg 10 gpg, range 8–12 gpg as CaCO3); system applies partial softening step during treatment (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
With very hard water (278 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Omaha Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
7.59 ppb
166% above average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
171 ppm
34% harder than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Not Detected
67% of cities are PFAS-free
How Hard is Omaha Water?
278 ppm
16.3 grains per gallon
Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Dries out skin & hair
Kitchen
Heavy mineral deposits
Laundry
Stiff, dingy clothes
Appliances
Significant scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 278 ppm, Omaha has very hard water. A water softener can help prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. According to the Water Quality Research Foundation, hard water can reduce appliance efficiency and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 137–205 ppm
Based on 133 samples from M.U.D. 2024 Water Quality Report – Mineral Analysis table (avg 10 gpg, range 8–12 gpg as CaCO3); system applies partial softening step during treatment (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Omaha tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Omaha
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
8.76 ppb
Omaha lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
No PFAS detected in available test data
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. No PFAS were detected in available test data.
Gross Alpha
43% of EPA limit
Range: 6.38–6.38 pCi/L
Other Detected Contaminants
10 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
47.5 ppb Range: 35.2-92.6 Highest running annual average 47.5 ppb (monitoring 7/1/2023–6/30/2024). Individual samples up to 92.6 ppb; LRAA below MCL 80. Disinfectant: chloramines. | 80 ppb | Caution 59% of limit | |
19.9 ppb Range: 10.7-33.1 Highest running annual average 19.9 ppb (monitoring 7/1/2023–6/30/2024). | 60 ppb | Safe 33% of limit | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND – UCMR5 (BPQL). PQL 1.82 ppt. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND – UCMR5 (BPQL). PQL 1.82 ppt. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
Lithium | 102 ppb Range: 102-102 UCMR5 2024: 102 μg/L (ppb). Very high – sourced from Missouri River and Dakota sandstone aquifer. No federal MCL established. | N/A | Safe |
4.9 ppb Range: 0-4.9 Max 4.9 ppb (49% of MCL 10). Monitoring period 2023–2025. | 10 ppb | Safe 49% of limit | |
0.83 ppm Range: 0.27-0.83 Added to ~0.7 ppm target (natural 0.3–0.5 ppm in source rivers). Max 0.830 ppm. Required by Nebraska LB 245 for municipalities >1,000 population. | 4 ppm | Safe 21% of limit | |
2.9 ppm Range: 0.255-2.9 Max 2.9 ppm (29% of MCL 10). | 10 ppm | Safe 29% of limit | |
Gross Alpha | 6.38 pCi/L Range: 6.38-6.38 Gross alpha including radon & uranium: 6.38 pCi/L (43% of MCL 15 pCi/L). | 15 pCi/L | Safe 43% of limit |
Selenium | 4.92 ppb Range: 3.73-4.92 Max 4.92 ppb (9.8% of MCL 50). Monitoring period 2023–2025. | 50 ppb | Safe 10% of limit |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
8
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
8
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Omaha's Water?
Utility Name
METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT
EPA System ID (PWSID)
NE3105507
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
663K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Omaha tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
Lincoln
Very Hard water
Grand Island
Papillion
Very Hard water
Kearney
Fremont
Very Hard water
Norfolk
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: M.U.D. 2024 Water Quality Report – Mineral Analysis table (avg 10 gpg, range 8–12 gpg as CaCO3); system applies partial softening step during treatment (2024) • View report