Arsenic in Drinking Water in Nebraska
What residents of Nebraska need to know about arsenic in drinking water — including natural geological sources, private well risk, which utilities have documented violations, and how to remove arsenic from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, USGS · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is arsenic in drinking water a concern in Nebraska?
Yes. Nebraska has documented arsenic occurrence in the Ogallala (High Plains) Aquifer in western Nebraska and in glacial aquifer systems in eastern Nebraska. Multiple western Nebraska public water systems have required arsenic treatment, and private well owners in High Plains counties draw from the same aquifer with naturally elevated arsenic concentrations.
Where does arsenic come from in Nebraska's water?
The Ogallala Aquifer in western Nebraska is the primary arsenic source, with naturally elevated concentrations from Great Plains sedimentary geology. Eastern Nebraska's glacial aquifer systems — outwash sands and gravels deposited during Pleistocene glaciation — have secondary arsenic occurrence under reducing geochemical conditions. Private wells and small water systems dependent on these aquifers face the highest risk.
What should Nebraska residents know?
Western Nebraska communities in Keith, Perkins, Dundy, Chase, Hayes, and Frontier counties depending on the Ogallala Aquifer face arsenic risk. Eastern Nebraska private well owners in counties with glacial outwash aquifers should also test. Nebraska NDEE has worked with affected communities on arsenic treatment compliance and provides guidance for private well testing.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL | 10 µg/L (10 ppb) |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary source | Ogallala Aquifer (western Nebraska); glacial aquifer sediments (eastern Nebraska) |
| State regulator | Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) |
| Health effects | Bladder, lung, skin cancer; cardiovascular; diabetes risk |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) or activated alumina |
Why Arsenic Matters in Nebraska
Nebraska straddles two major aquifer systems with arsenic concerns: the Ogallala in the west and glacial aquifers in the east. The Ogallala — the primary water supply for western Nebraska agriculture and many small communities — has naturally occurring arsenic from the sedimentary geology of the Great Plains. Several small western Nebraska communities have required treatment plant upgrades to achieve MCL compliance. Nebraska's agricultural character and high private well density mean arsenic affects a significant portion of the rural population.
Nebraska Arsenic Program
Nebraska DEE monitors arsenic under federal SDWIS and has identified the High Plains Aquifer (Ogallala) in western Nebraska as a zone of elevated arsenic. Multiple small Nebraska water systems required treatment upgrades after the 2006 MCL tightening. Private well owners in western Nebraska drawing from the Ogallala should test for arsenic.
Largest Nebraska Water Utilities
No arsenic violations on record in EPA SDWIS for Nebraska utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
How Does Arsenic Get Into Drinking Water?
Arsenic in drinking water is almost always naturally occurring — it leaches from arsenic-bearing rocks and minerals into groundwater over time. New England granite, Southwest volcanic geology, and Upper Midwest glacial aquifers are the primary high-risk formations. It has no taste, odor, or color.
Full arsenic overview — geology maps, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Western Nebraska High Plains counties drawing from the Ogallala Aquifer and eastern Nebraska private well owners in glacial outwash areas face the most relevant arsenic risk. Small water system users in rural western Nebraska should verify their system's compliance status.
Private well owners near mining districts or agricultural areas
Residents in states with documented volcanic or geothermal geology
Long-term consumers of water from small groundwater systems
Households in homes built before 1960 with older well casings
Residents whose well water has never been tested for arsenic
Anyone living in a state where bedrock wells are common
How to Check Your Situation in Nebraska
- 1
Identify your water source. If you use a public utility, use the ZIP lookup on this page to find your system and check its compliance record.
- 2
If on public water, review your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for arsenic monitoring data. The MCL is 10 ppb — your report should show recent test results.
- 3
If on a private well, order an arsenic test from a Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy-certified laboratory. A basic arsenic test costs $15–$40. The state agency website maintains a certified lab list.
- 4
Test your well at the tap — not just at the wellhead. The entire water distribution system within your home can affect water quality.
- 5
If your test shows arsenic above 5 ppb, install certified treatment immediately. If above 10 ppb, do not use the water for drinking or cooking until treatment is installed.
- 6
Retest after installing treatment to confirm it is working as certified. Replace filter media on the manufacturer's schedule — an exhausted filter may not perform as rated.
Treatment Options for Arsenic
Boiling does not remove arsenic — it concentrates it. Standard activated carbon filters (Brita, etc.) do not effectively remove arsenic. Certified treatment is required.
NSF/ANSI Standard 58 — Reverse Osmosis
RO systems certified to NSF/ANSI 58 remove 85–95% of arsenic. Under-sink installation. Most effective for removing multiple contaminants simultaneously. Replace membranes and pre-filters on schedule.
Activated Alumina Filters
Activated alumina is specifically designed for arsenic and fluoride removal. Point-of-use or whole-house options available. Must be certified by NSF International or WQA for arsenic reduction. Requires periodic media regeneration or replacement.
Iron/Manganese Oxidation Filters
Effective for arsenic in iron-rich well water, which is common in the Midwest and New England. Oxidation converts dissolved iron and arsenic to a form that can be filtered out. Best when arsenic is co-occurring with high iron levels.
What does NOT work for arsenic
Standard activated carbon filters (Brita, refrigerator filters, most pitcher filters) do NOT effectively remove arsenic. Boiling concentrates arsenic. Water softeners do not remove arsenic. Only use products with NSF certification specifically for arsenic reduction.
Take Action Now
If you use a private well in Nebraska, test for arsenic — especially if you are in a region with granite, volcanic, or sedimentary geology. A basic arsenic test costs $15–$40 at a state-certified lab.
Public water users: check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for arsenic results. The EPA MCL is 10 ppb — any detection warrants attention.
If arsenic is detected above 10 ppb (or even below it, given MCLG is zero), install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system for drinking and cooking water.
Standard carbon filters do NOT remove arsenic — do not rely on a Brita or refrigerator filter for arsenic protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
Arsenic — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with arsenic records
Nebraska State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Nebraska Well Water Guide
Testing, risks & certified labs for private wells
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 85–95% of arsenic
Best Arsenic Filter Guide
What actually works (carbon doesn't)
PFAS in Drinking Water
The 'forever chemical' contamination overview
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
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Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy ↗