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Kearney, NE · 34,989 people served · EPA data 2021–2026

Tap water quality in Kearney, Nebraska

Kearney's water systems logged 1 health-based EPA violation in 2021–2026, most recently in 2021 — a modest record, with di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate the issue found. For context, Nebraska's systems average 1.8 health-based violations each.

C+Fair
Kearney water grade: C+
Fair — our A–F grade from this city's EPA compliance record, relative to Nebraska and the nation. How we grade →
Health-based violations, 2021–20261
Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate1
Kearney, City Of34,000 served
Buffalo Co Sid 3 - Glenwood Estates400 served
Sunset View Mobile Home Park200 served
Riverside Mobile Home Park122 served
Nebraska quality rank#35 / 51 (81.3/100)
Nebraska avg hardness210 PPM (very hard)
Want to know what's actually in your Kearney water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

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Kearney tap water FAQ

Is tap water safe to drink in Kearney?

Kearney's systems logged 1 health-based violation in 2021–2026, most commonly di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. A violation is a red flag for a period of time, not a permanent condition — your utility's current Consumer Confidence Report shows today's status, and a certified home test shows what's at your tap.

Who supplies Kearney's water?

Kearney, City Of (serving about 34,000 people); Buffalo Co Sid 3 - Glenwood Estates (serving about 400 people); Sunset View Mobile Home Park (serving about 200 people); Riverside Mobile Home Park (serving about 122 people). Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System, July 2026.

How hard is the water in Kearney?

City-level hardness isn't published in a single federal dataset, but Nebraska averages 210 PPM — "very hard" on the USGS scale. Your utility's water quality report lists Kearney's exact hardness, or a $10 test strip tells you in a minute. If it comes back over 120 PPM, see our water softener guidance in the purification calculator.

Do I need a water filter in Kearney?

With 1 health-based violation on record in 2021–2026, a certified filter is reasonable insurance here: reverse osmosis ($150–$1,300 installed, Angi 2026) covers lead, nitrates and PFAS at the tap. Test first ($50–$200) so you buy for what's actually present.

Want to know what's actually in your Kearney water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

Test your water at home

We may earn a commission if you request quotes through this link. It costs you nothing and never affects the data we publish.