The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (LPSNRD) is in the process of updating its Ground Water Management Plan (GWMP)—a strategic document that outlines long-term goals, strategies, and actions to maintain and protect ground water quality and quantity throughout the district.

In accordance with Nebraska law, every NRD must maintain an active GWMP. LPSNRD’s current plan, originally developed in 1995, is being revised to incorporate decades of new data, updated ground water modeling, and modern challenges such as drought, emerging contaminants, and increased demand on water resources.

Why This Matters
Clean, accessible ground water is essential to daily life. It supports drinking water supplies, irrigation, industry, recreation, and healthy ecosystems. The GWMP helps guide how we monitor, protect, and manage this resource for future generations. Topics addressed in the plan include:

• Ground water contamination and public health concerns
• Water supply levels and economic impacts
• Recreational water uses and environmental health

What We Heard: Community Perspectives on Ground Water
When it comes to ground water, our community understands what’s at stake. Given the opportunity, survey participants clearly voiced their concerns—emphasizing that protecting both the quantity and quality of our ground water is vital for the future.

Why It Matters
Many respondents emphasized that ground water is the lifeblood of our region. People want to ensure there’s enough for today and for generations to come. They also voiced concerns about long-term safety, citing existing contamination levels and the uncertainty surrounding how changing environmental conditions could impact our water resources. One respondent even recommended investment in recharge and augmentation programs to support baseflow in the Platte River.

What Worries People
Concerns about drinking water centered on two key themes: having enough of it and keeping it clean. Respondents frequently cited nitrates and heavy metals as top concerns. Regarding irrigation, sustainability was a major thread. People expressed worries about aquifer depletion caused by excessive or inefficient water use, including the overwatering of residential lawns and commercial properties.

Environmental Stakes
Beyond household use, respondents recognized the broader ecological impact. Several noted that high irrigation demand can reduce streamflow, while drought and agricultural runoff may elevate contaminant levels in local waterways.

Ideas for Outreach and Education
Participants made it clear that they want more information, and they want it to be accessible. Popular suggestions included interactive maps, bite-sized social media videos, and more frequent digital newsletters. Existing mailers and education programs also received praise.

A Call for Action
Ten respondents said their community is not doing enough to protect ground water resources. Eleven said they would support additional regulations or restrictions on local ground water usage. This reflects a clear willingness to engage, especially if the right steps are taken.

We want to keep the conversation going. If you have thoughts, questions, or feedback about our Ground Water Management Plan, we invite you to reach out.

Meeting Materials
Want to learn more? View the handouts and presentation boards shared at the meetings:

GWMP Public Meeting Handout (PDF)

GWMP Informational Boards (PDF)

For questions or comments, please visit our FAQs page or contact:
Dick Ehrman, Water Resources Coordinator
dehrman@lpsnrd.org
402-476-2729