Skip to main content
WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 68197 Water Quality Report

Omaha, NE · Douglas County County

Safety Score
D

Water Safety Grade

Poor — Multiple violations recorded

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

12

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

1

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 68197

Tap water in ZIP code 68197 (Omaha, NE) has received a D grade (score: 41/100) — below average for the nation. Metropolitan Utilities District has recorded notable violations with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. Residents may want to consider additional filtration and review their annual Consumer Confidence Report.

Water System

Metropolitan Utilities District

EPA ID: NE3105507

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

660,000 residents

County

Douglas County County, Nebraska

🧪

Lead Levels in ZIP 68197

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 12.3 ppb — Approaching Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 68197 is 12.3 ppb, approaching the EPA action level of 15 ppb. When a water system's 90th percentile exceeds this threshold, the utility is required to take corrective action including public notification and infrastructure upgrades. Residents — especially those with children or in homes built before 1986 — should use a certified lead-reducing filter (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58) for drinking and cooking water.
Lead Level (90th percentile)
12.30 ppb (0.0123 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

7.6 ppb
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

0 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Unknown
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
📋

Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Metropolitan Utilities District has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. A single health violation means the water exceeded an EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) at some point. Most water systems resolve these quickly, but residents should review the Consumer Confidence Report for details. 2 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
12
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
2
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Metropolitan Utilities District has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

⚗️

Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 68197: Arsenic. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Arsenic

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Lead (7.59 ppb); Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) (47.5 ppb)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

8 enforcement actions have been issued against Metropolitan Utilities District — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
🌊

Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Surface water (Missouri River), groundwater under-the-direct-influence of surface water (Platte River), and groundwater (Dakota sandstone aquifer)
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 68197 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact Metropolitan Utilities District to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 68197 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 68197?+
Tap water in 68197 has a below-average water quality grade of D. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 68197 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 68197 is 12.3 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 68197?+
Tap water in ZIP code 68197 is provided by Metropolitan Utilities District (EPA ID: NE3105507). This system serves approximately 660,000 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 68197?+
ZIP code 68197 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 68197 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 2 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Metropolitan Utilities District for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 68197?+
Your water utility — Metropolitan Utilities District — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Metropolitan Utilities District Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 68197?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 68197, with detected contaminants including Arsenic, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 68197 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 12.3 ppb in 68197, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 68197 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Metropolitan Utilities District. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →