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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 68326 Water Quality Report

Carleton, NE · Thayer County County

Safety Score
D

Water Safety Grade

Poor — Multiple violations recorded

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

0

Lead Risk

Very High

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 68326

Tap water in ZIP code 68326 (Carleton, NE) has received a D grade (score: 47/100) — below average for the nation. Carleton, Village of 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

Carleton, Village of

EPA ID: NE3116904

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

86 residents

County

Thayer County County, Nebraska

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Lead Levels in ZIP 68326

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

Lead Level: 10.8 ppb — Approaching Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 68326 is 10.8 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 exposure risk in 68326 is rated Very High. EPA models estimate a 83% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This is among the highest risk categories nationally, often associated with heavily aging infrastructure and pre-1986 construction. Do not give unfiltered tap water to children under 6 or pregnant women. Consider getting your home's plumbing tested for lead solder and fixtures.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
10.80 ppb (0.0108 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Very High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

83%
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.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Carleton, Village of has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years — a strong indicator of consistent regulatory compliance and careful monitoring.

Total Violations (5 yr)
0
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Low

Regulatory compliance risk for Carleton, Village of is rated Low — indicating a consistent track record of meeting EPA reporting and treatment requirements.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 68326. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

1.97%

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 68326 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 Carleton, Village of 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 68326 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 68326?+
Tap water in 68326 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 68326 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 68326 is 10.8 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 68326?+
Tap water in ZIP code 68326 is provided by Carleton, Village of (EPA ID: NE3116904). This system serves approximately 86 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 68326?+
ZIP code 68326 is served by ground water. Groundwater systems draw from underground aquifers. While naturally filtered, groundwater can still contain naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, radium, or nitrates at elevated levels in some regions.
Does 68326 have any active water quality violations?+
No active violations are on record for ZIP code 68326. EPA data shows this water system is currently in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 68326?+
Your water utility — Carleton, Village of — 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 "Carleton, Village of Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 68326?+
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 68326, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 68326 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 10.8 ppb in 68326, 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 68326 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 Carleton, Village of. 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 →