Are you concerned about the nitrate concentration in your drinking water?
If the primary source of your drinking water supply is from a private domestic well located within the Lower Platte South NRD boundaries, you are eligible to participate in this event. Private wells are not regulated by the EPA, so it is the responsibility of the well owner to have their well water tested. This nitrate screening service is provided free of charge by the LPSNRD to inform you of the nitrate levels in the water you primarily use for drinking and cooking.
This testing is not for households that are supplied by any public water system, such as the City of Lincoln, Villages, Towns, Rural Water Districts, or SIDs. Households served by public water supplies are already conducting monthly tests for contaminants, including nitrate.
Why test for nitrate?
Nitrate is one of the most common non-point source contaminants in Nebraska's ground water. Nitrate is linked to negative health effects, particularly for infants, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Nitrate in ground water can be attributed to both organic and inorganic sources. Organic contamination is primarily caused by animal and human waste. Inorganic contamination is most commonly due to the leaching of excess commercial fertilizers.
Wanting to participate?
Collect a 2-cup sample of drinking water from your faucet in a clean, lidded container and bring it to the NRD office located at 3125 Portia Street, Lincoln, NE 68521, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., March 30–April 3. Drop it off at the front desk and take home your sample number.
Samples will be screened for nitrate the following day, and results will be posted anonymously at www.lpsnrd.org/tywn. Simply match your sample number to view your nitrate level.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 402-476-2729.