Sweeping study finds high nitrate levels in Nebraska groundwater
CERESCO, Neb. (KLKN) – A study released Thursday by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy found high levels of nitrate in groundwater.
Nitrate is a naturally occurring compound caused by the breakdown of nitrogen.
But when levels get too high in drinking water — above 10 milligrams per liter — it can cause health problems.
That could affect people like Jim Lamken, who has owned a private well near Ceresco for over 30 years.
“Our water pollution is a big deal,” he said.
Courtesy: Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
Some research has even linked elevated nitrate levels to cancer and birth defects.
According to environment officials, 86% of Nebraskans’ primary drinking water source is groundwater, and almost 20% get their water from private wells.
Those are more susceptible to nitrate because they’re not regulated like public water systems.
Lamken said he last tested his well water about five years ago but knows he needs to stay informed when reports like these come out
“I read the quarterly report that I get from the (natural resource districts) about our water quality — and quantity,” he said.
In this study, almost 3,500 private wells were sampled, the most ever in the state of Nebraska.
“I like the idea that they are testing more and figuring things out with our water,” Lamken says.
Courtesy: Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
The report also found that nitrate is higher than ideal, but still within safe levels, in some public water systems, including Waverly.
The study found that Waverly’s average nitrate concentration over five years was 7.05 milligrams per liter.
Courtesy: Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
