Water Quality: Howells, NE
1 water system • 567 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Howells is served by 1 public water system with a combined service population of 567 people, and has 11 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 10 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Howells's violation count is 13% below the national average for Nebraska. Contaminants associated with violations include Arsenic, Disinfection Byproducts, Gross Alpha, Nitrate-Nitrite.
Contaminants Found
Long-term exposure increases risk of skin, bladder, and lung cancers, as well as cardiovascular and neurological effects.
Common source: Natural rock deposits, agricultural pesticides, industrial waste
EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Alpha-emitting radioactive particles increase cancer risk, particularly from bone and other internal cancers.
Common source: Natural uranium and radium in geological formations
EPA limit: 15 pCi/L (excluding radon and uranium)
Causes methemoglobinemia in infants and may pose cancer risks with long-term exposure.
Common source: Fertilizer runoff, septic systems, animal feedlots, natural deposits
EPA limit: 10 mg/L (as nitrogen)
Water Systems Serving Howells
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOWELLS, VILLAGE OF | NE3103704 | Groundwater | 567 | 11 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Nebraska
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.