Comprehensive Guide to Water Quality in Nebraska State: Contaminants, Issues, and Water Filtration Solutions

by Ryan Moreau / updated February 27th, 2025

Nebraska, located in the heartland of the United States, is characterized by its vast prairies and significant agricultural activities. The state’s water resources are primarily sourced from the High Plains Aquifer system, including the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the largest underground freshwater sources in the world. Despite this abundance, Nebraska faces unique water quality challenges due to intensive farming practices, nitrate contamination, and natural occurrences of arsenic and uranium. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the common contaminants in Nebraska’s water, regional water quality challenges, and effective filtration solutions. Start by using our Water Quality Tool to get a customized analysis of your local water conditions.

Overview of Nebraska’s Water Sources

Nebraska’s water supply is predominantly drawn from groundwater sources, with surface water playing a crucial yet lesser role. Key sources include:

Ogallala Aquifer: Part of the High Plains Aquifer system, the Ogallala Aquifer underlies most of Nebraska and is the primary source of groundwater for agricultural irrigation and municipal use.
Rivers and Streams: The Platte River, Niobrara River, and Republican River provide surface water for irrigation, recreation, and some public water supplies.
Lakes and Reservoirs: Lake McConaughy and other reservoirs store surface water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreational activities.
Private Wells: Many rural households rely on private wells tapping into shallow groundwater, which can vary in quality depending on local geology and land use practices.

Ensuring the sustainability and quality of these water sources is critical for Nebraska’s agriculture-driven economy and the health of its residents.

Common Water Quality Contaminants in Nebraska

Nebraska’s extensive agricultural activities and natural geological formations contribute to specific water quality concerns. To better understand what might affect your area, start with our Water Quality Tool and then review these common issues:

1. Nitrates

Nitrate contamination is a significant issue in Nebraska, primarily due to agricultural fertilizers and livestock operations. Elevated nitrate levels in groundwater pose serious health risks, especially to infants, leading to conditions like methemoglobinemia, also known as “blue baby syndrome.”

Water Filtration Options for Nitrates: Reverse Osmosis Water Filters

2. Arsenic

Natural deposits of arsenic in Nebraska’s soil and rock formations can leach into groundwater. Chronic exposure to arsenic can lead to various health problems, including skin disorders and increased cancer risk.

Water Filtration Options for Arsenic: Reverse Osmosis Water Filters, Iron Removal Filters with arsenic-specific media

3. Uranium

Certain regions in Nebraska, particularly the western areas, have elevated levels of uranium in groundwater due to natural geological formations. Uranium in drinking water can have toxic effects on the kidneys over time.

Water Filtration Options for Uranium: Reverse Osmosis Water Filters

4. Bacteria and Microbial Contaminants

Private wells in rural Nebraska are susceptible to bacterial contamination from septic systems, livestock operations, and surface runoff. Consuming water contaminated with E. coli or other pathogens can cause gastrointestinal illnesses.

Water Filtration Options for Bacteria and Microbial Contaminants: UV Water Purifiers, Reverse Osmosis Systems with UV disinfection

5. Pesticides and Herbicides

Herbicides like atrazine and pesticides used in crop production can infiltrate groundwater and surface water. Long-term exposure to these chemicals may have adverse health effects, including hormonal disruptions and cancer.

Water Filtration Options for Pesticides and Herbicides: Activated Carbon Water Filters, Reverse Osmosis Water Filters

6. Selenium

Selenium is present in some Nebraska groundwater due to natural sources. While selenium is an essential nutrient in small amounts, high levels can cause health issues, including hair and nail loss, and nerve damage.

Water Filtration Options for Selenium: Reverse Osmosis Systems

7. Fluoride

Nebraska’s groundwater can naturally contain elevated fluoride levels. While fluoride is beneficial for dental health in small quantities, excessive fluoride can cause dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis over time.

Water Filtration Options for Fluoride: Reverse Osmosis Systems, Distillation Systems

8. Radon

Radon gas can dissolve into groundwater in certain areas of Nebraska. Although radon is more commonly associated with indoor air quality concerns, radon in water can contribute to indoor radon levels and present inhalation risks.

Water Filtration Options for Radon: Aeration Water Treatment Systems

Regional Water Quality Challenges in Nebraska

Nebraska’s water quality issues can vary significantly across different regions, influenced by agricultural practices, natural geology, and industrial activities. According to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), key challenges include:

1. Central Nebraska: Nitrate Contamination

Areas with intensive farming, particularly in central Nebraska, experience high nitrate levels in groundwater. Efforts are ongoing to implement best management practices to reduce fertilizer runoff and leaching.

The NDEE has initiated programs to educate farmers on sustainable fertilizer application and crop rotation techniques. Residents are encouraged to test their well water regularly, especially those with private wells, to monitor nitrate levels and take appropriate action.

2. Western Nebraska: Uranium and Selenium

Natural deposits of uranium and selenium in soil and rocks result in elevated levels of these elements in groundwater. Communities rely on effective water treatment solutions to ensure safe drinking water.

Local water utilities often implement additional treatment processes to remove these elements from the public water supply. Homeowners with private wells should consider installing appropriate filtration systems and conduct routine water testing to ensure safety.

3. Eastern Nebraska: Pesticide Runoff

In eastern Nebraska, where row crop agriculture is prevalent, pesticides and herbicides can contaminate both surface water and groundwater. Monitoring and regulatory measures aim to mitigate these impacts.

The state promotes integrated pest management strategies to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. Conservation efforts and buffer zones near waterways help minimize runoff, protecting both the environment and human health.

General Water Characteristics in Nebraska

Beyond specific contaminants, Nebraska’s groundwater and surface water have unique characteristics due to the state’s geology and climate. Understanding these traits is essential for selecting effective water treatment solutions:

1. Water Hardness

Nebraska is known for its hard water, with high levels of calcium and magnesium due to the natural dissolution of limestone and dolomite in the aquifers. Hard water can lead to scale buildup in pipes, reduce the efficiency of water heaters, and cause soap scum in bathrooms and kitchens.

For households experiencing hard water, water softeners are recommended. If you’re unsure whether you need a water softener or which type fits your family’s needs, try our Water Softener Calculator for personalized guidance.

2. Alkalinity

Nebraska’s water often has high alkalinity due to the presence of bicarbonate ions from limestone. While not a health concern, high alkalinity can affect the taste of water and interact with certain water treatment processes.

Impact on Water Taste: Elevated alkalinity may give water a distinct taste that some individuals find unpleasant.
Interaction with Treatment Systems: High alkalinity can reduce the effectiveness of chlorine disinfection and certain filtration methods.

Understanding the alkalinity of your water can help in selecting the appropriate filtration technology and ensuring optimal performance of your treatment system.

3. Iron and Manganese

Iron and manganese are common in Nebraska’s groundwater, often causing aesthetic issues such as staining of fixtures and a metallic taste. While not typically harmful to health, high concentrations can be problematic for household use.

Water Filtration Options for Iron and Manganese: Iron Removal Filters, oxidizing filters, and water softeners designed to reduce iron content can effectively address these concerns.

Utilizing the Water Quality Tool for Nebraska Residents

Understanding your local water quality is essential for ensuring safe drinking water. Our Water Quality Tool enables Nebraska residents to:

Enter their zip code for a detailed analysis of local water sources
View data on common contaminants in public and private water supplies
Receive personalized recommendations for filtration systems based on your water quality challenges

Local Water Testing Services in Nebraska

Accurate water testing is essential to pinpoint the contaminants in your water supply. We recommend using SimpleLab for comprehensive water quality analysis. Their user-friendly kits and detailed lab reports empower you to make informed decisions about your water filtration system.

Additionally, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services offers resources and guidance for private well owners, including information on local water testing laboratories and recommended testing schedules.

Case Studies: Addressing Water Quality Issues in Nebraska

Real-world examples provide valuable insights into how various water quality challenges in Nebraska are being addressed:

1. Central Nebraska: Reducing Nitrate Levels

A farming community in central Nebraska collaborated with local agencies to implement best management practices, such as precision agriculture and optimized fertilizer application. Over several years, groundwater nitrate levels decreased, improving the safety of local water supplies.

2. Western Nebraska: Uranium Mitigation in Public Water Systems

A small town in western Nebraska faced high uranium levels in its municipal water supply. The community installed an advanced reverse osmosis treatment system, resulting in uranium concentrations below the EPA’s maximum contaminant level and safeguarding residents’ health.

3. Rural Homesteads: Private Well Protection

Several rural homeowners with private wells experienced bacterial contamination due to aging well structures. By upgrading well casings, implementing proper sealing techniques, and installing UV purification systems, they effectively eliminated microbial contaminants from their drinking water.

Call to Action

Nebraska’s reliance on groundwater from the Ogallala Aquifer and other sources necessitates proactive water quality management. Understanding your local water challenges and implementing effective filtration solutions is essential for safeguarding your household’s health.

Start by entering your zip code into our Water Quality Tool for a detailed analysis of your water supply. Then, explore our filter review articles to find the most effective system for your needs. Finally, confirm your water’s safety with comprehensive water testing services to ensure you have the clean, safe water your home deserves.