Statewide nitrate test highlights areas of high concentration

The State of Nebraska recently published its largest study to date of nitrates in drinking water.

Nebraska’s Department of Environment and Energy found that areas along the eastern and central portions of the Elkhorn and Platte River valleys, as well as along Nebraska’s southwestern border with Kansas, all had the strongest concentrations of nitrates. According to the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act, safe drinking water shouldn’t surpass 10 milligrams of nitrates per liter. The NDEE flagged drinking water samples from these areas exceeding that standard in its study.

The study covered the groundwater used for drinking across the entire state, and contained over 3,400 test kits returned from both those who use public water systems, as well as those who get their drinking water from private wells. Based on the data, it is suggested that around 17% of private wells in the state exceed that safe limit.

The NDEE recommends testing for nitrates annually if you get your water from a private well. Test kits can be requested at the Nebraska Health and Human Services website. People with private wells can also apply for a rebate program through the NDEE that can help with the costs of installing reverse osmosis systems to reduce nitrates. Applications must be in by June 30, 2025.