The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (LPSNRD) has officially begun the installation of telemetry capabilities on its existing transducer network in select ground water monitoring wells across the district—an important step forward in expanding the region’s ground water monitoring capabilities.

Transducers, which are electronic devices that measure and record changes in water level and pressure, allow LPSNRD to gather continuous, high-resolution data from key locations within its ground water monitoring network. The telemetry technology will allow the District to receive these measurements over cellular towers, meaning much more frequent access to new information. This initiative enhances the District’s ability to track long-term trends, identify seasonal fluctuations, and better understand how local ground water supplies respond to changes in climate, land use, and water demand.

“This technology allows us to more effectively monitor ground water conditions in real time,” said Steve Herdzina, LPSNRD’s Water Resources Compliance Specialist. “Instead of relying solely on manual measurements a few times per year, these transducers give us detailed, consistent data that can help inform management decisions and water resource planning.”

LPSNRD operates a network of over 105 dedicated monitoring wells across its six-county area of southeastern Nebraska, consisting of about one million acres and 350,000 residents. These wells provide critical data that supports ground water management, helps protect drinking water supplies, and ensures compliance with state and federal water quality standards.

By upgrading a portion of these wells with telemetry access, LPSNRD is investing in smarter, more responsive water management. The real-time data can help identify declining trends before they become critical and offer insights into the effectiveness of conservation efforts or potential impacts from drought.

The installation effort is being rolled out in phases, with additional wells scheduled to receive telemetry over the coming months. The data collected will support the LPSNRD’s long-standing commitment to sustainable ground water use and transparent reporting available to local stakeholders.

As Nebraska continues to experience increased demands on its water systems, efforts like this ensure that ground water, one of the region’s most valuable resources, is carefully monitored and protected for future generations.