PFAS in Drinking Water in Nebraska
What residents of Nebraska need to know about PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water — including contamination sources, which utilities have documented violations, and how to filter PFAS from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, CDC · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is PFAS in drinking water a real concern in Nebraska?
PFAS contamination in Nebraska is primarily associated with Offutt AFB near Omaha and the Nebraska Air National Guard at Lincoln Airport. Offutt AFB has documented AFFF-related PFAS contamination that, combined with the base's severe flooding in 2019, raised significant concerns about PFAS spreading via floodwaters into surrounding Sarpy County communities.
Where does PFAS come from in Nebraska?
Offutt AFB in Sarpy County near Bellevue is Nebraska's primary military PFAS source. AFFF firefighting foam at this Strategic Air Command headquarters base has contaminated surrounding groundwater. The 2019 Missouri River flooding that inundated much of the base amplified concerns about PFAS migration into surrounding communities and the Missouri River itself.
What should Nebraska residents know?
Sarpy County residents near Offutt AFB and Bellevue should verify their utility's PFAS monitoring data. The 2019 flooding event that severely damaged Offutt raised particular concerns about PFAS spreading from AFFF-contaminated areas. Nebraska NDEE has conducted PFAS testing under UCMR5 and is assessing treatment needs for affected systems.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS) | 4 ppt — effective April 2024 |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary contamination source | Offutt AFB (Sarpy County/Bellevue) — AFFF contamination; 2019 flooding raised additional spread concerns |
| State regulator | Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) |
| Health effects | Cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disruption, immune effects, developmental toxicity |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) or granular activated carbon certified for PFAS |
Why PFAS Matters in Nebraska
Offutt AFB — headquarters of U.S. Strategic Command — is a major Air Force installation with decades of AFFF use. The base's flooding in 2019, when large portions were inundated by the Missouri River, raised questions about PFAS migration into surrounding communities and the river. Sarpy County communities adjacent to Offutt, including Bellevue, face potential groundwater exposure. Nebraska's Sandhills region and western agricultural areas have fewer PFAS concerns but private well owners near any fire training facility or industrial site should consider testing.
Nebraska PFAS Regulation
Nebraska DEE participates in UCMR5 monitoring. Offutt AFB near Omaha (Strategic Command headquarters) has documented PFAS contamination from AFFF and is subject to ongoing remediation. Offutt was also significantly flooded in 2019, potentially spreading PFAS contamination. Nebraska does not have a state MCL more protective than federal.
Largest Nebraska Water Utilities
No PFAS violations on record in EPA SDWIS for Nebraska utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and AFFF firefighting foam. Their carbon-fluorine bonds do not break down in the environment or the body — hence the name “forever chemicals.” AFFF used at military bases is the single largest source of PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
Full PFAS overview — national data, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Bellevue and rural Sarpy County residents near Offutt AFB face the most direct risk. Lincoln area residents near Nebraska ANG at Lincoln Airport should monitor available data. Private well owners in eastern Nebraska near industrial corridors should consider testing.
Residents near military bases with AFFF use history
Private well owners near military or industrial sites
Pregnant residents and families with young children
Residents in communities with documented PFAS detections
Anyone who has consumed water above 4 ppt for an extended period
Residents near airports, fire training areas, or industrial manufacturers
How to Check Your Situation in Nebraska
- 1
Identify your water utility using the ZIP lookup below or by browsing the Nebraska utility directory on this site.
- 2
Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — it must report PFAS monitoring results under UCMR5 and the new MCL.
- 3
Check the EPA's ECHO database for your utility's monitoring history. Look for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and related compound results.
- 4
Contact your utility directly and ask for their most recent PFAS test results and whether they are implementing treatment under the 2024 MCL.
- 5
If you use a private well near a military base, airport, or industrial facility, order a PFAS panel test from a state-certified laboratory. Tests typically cost $150–$400.
- 6
If PFAS is detected above 4 ppt in your source water, install a certified NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system or an NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filter rated for PFAS removal.
How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water
Reverse Osmosis (Best)
90–99% removal — NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems only
Certified Activated Carbon
Effective with NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification — verify before buying
Boiling concentrates PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and water softeners do not remove PFAS. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.
Take Action Now
Look up your Nebraska utility's PFAS monitoring history on the PFAS Watchlist below.
If your utility has detected PFAS above 4 ppt, install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your drinking tap.
Private well owners near military or industrial sites should order a PFAS panel test ($150–$400 at a state-certified lab).
Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report — PFAS results must be disclosed under the new 2024 MCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
PFAS — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with PFAS records
Nebraska PFAS Watchlist
Live utility PFAS monitoring data
Nebraska State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 90–99% of PFAS
Activated Carbon Filter Guide
NSF/ANSI 53/58 certified options for PFAS
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Another priority contaminant
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 ↗