Tap Water Results

Is Columbus, NE tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for City of Columbus.

4 public water systems serve parts of Columbus. The largest, City of Columbus, serves 24,028 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

City of Columbus

24,028 people · Groundwater · EPA ID NE3114110

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 3.31 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2025, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 2

Across Nebraska, 3 of 51 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 7 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Nebraska results.

Columbus homes and lead pipes

65%
of homes built before 1980 (Nebraska 57%, US 50%)
17%
built before 1950 (Nebraska 23%)
34%
of households rent (Nebraska 34%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Columbus city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Columbus

  • College View Park Water System
    150 people · Groundwater · Nebraska · lists this city
    Arsenic violationsAlso: Coliform bacteria violation
  • Silver Trailer Park Water System
    85 people · Groundwater · Nebraska · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
  • Circle H Mobile Home Park Water System
    85 people · Groundwater · Nebraska · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Norfolk 41 mi
City of Norfolk
City of NorfolkNone above limits4.73 ppb
Fremont 45 mi
City of Fremont
City of FremontNone above limits0.93 ppb
Lincoln 56 mi
City of Lincoln
City of LincolnNone above limits4.5 ppb
Grand Island 63 mi
City of Grand Island
City of Grand IslandAbove limit1.98 ppb
Omaha 68 mi
Metropolitan Utilities District
Metropolitan Utilities DistrictNone above limits12.3 ppb
Papillion 69 mi
City of Papillion
City of PapillionNone above limits2.8 ppb
Columbus ZIP codes (1)
  • 68601

Questions

Is Columbus tap water safe to drink?

City of Columbus had 2 health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Columbus, NE?

4 public water systems serve parts of Columbus. The largest is City of Columbus (24,028 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Columbus tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. City of Columbus had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Columbus homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 65% of Columbus homes as built before 1980 (Nebraska: 57%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. City of Columbus's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.