Nitrate is a chemical compound that naturally occurs but also has several man-made sources. Nitrate can be found in lakes, rivers, and groundwater throughout the United States, but particularly in areas of heavy agricultural or industrial use. Nitrate cannot be tasted or smelled if mixed with water and high consumption of nitrates in water can be harmful, particularly to babies.
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, as part of a statewide study of nitrate pollution in Nebraska aquifers, is asking for help from private well owners to conduct free testing of their water. Public participation is greatly appreciated by NDEE to ensure that the entire state is encompassed in the study. Free sample kits and lab analyses are being offered through January 31. Kits can be ordered online: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Lab-Price-List.aspx or by calling NDEE at 1-402-471-2186.
As part of testing, if a well result comes back higher than 10 parts per million, what is deemed unsafe, the owners are eligible for up to $4,000 in rebates to install a reverse osmosis system. Owners can submit an application for a system up to June 30, 2024, by visiting: http://dee.ne.gov/Publica.nsf/pages/22-051.
Nebraska has one of the highest rates of pediatric cancer in the nation, and nitrates in the drinking water is one of the contributing factors to this rate. In a state study conducted in 2022 on groundwater quality, 30% of the state’s public water systems were required to test nitrate levels four times a year due to high concentration levels of nitrates. Drinking too much nitrate can affect how blood carries oxygen and can cause what is known as blue baby syndrome in bottle-fed babies. Other symptoms of high nitrate consumption can include decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, headaches, and vomiting.
Panhandle residents can consult with their local Natural Resource Districts on the reverse osmosis systems to learn more information about installation and testing. For those who live in:
• Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan, and Sioux counties, contact the Upper Niobrara White NRD at 308-432-6190.
• Banner, Garden, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, and parts of southern Sioux counties, contact the North Platte NRD at 308-632-2749.
• Cheyenne, Kimball, and Deuel counties, contact the South Platte NRD at 308-254-2377.
• Grant county, contact Upper Loup NRD at 308-645-2250.
Original story published by the Nebraska Examiner, “State asks owners of private wells to test their water, to help with statewide study of nitrate in aquifers.”
Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.ne.gov.