Lincoln’s drinking water safe despite historic flooding

Lincoln city officials say that the city’s drinking water is safe despite historic flooding across east Nebraska. Miki Espisito, director of Lincoln Public Works & Utilities, says that water treatment facilities are “secure and operating effectively.” 

Most of Lincoln’s water supply comes from ground water via aquifers and wells that are 80 feet below ground. All of the city’s reservoir are full. There is a 100 million gallon water supply in Lincoln with a 10 million gallon reserve in Ashland.

The emergency order put in place yesterday by Mayor Chris Beutler is still in effect. Only three of the city’s 44 wells are compromised. They’re located on an island within Platte River.

Overall, water levels within Platte River appear to be slowly falling after reaching unprecedented levels of 24 feet. Sand bagging efforts are underway to protect the three wells in the Platte from any more potential damage. 

Officials say that citizens can visit www.water.lincoln.ne.gov/flood for more information