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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

UNL Water

Your natural resource for reliable water information.
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How much do you really know about the water you drink and use every day? Where does it come from? Is it safe to drink? Is a home water treatment system necessary? How can drinking water be protected?

If you rely on a private drinking water supply, proper drinking water well design and construction is essential. In addition, it is important to protect your drinking watersource.

All water from natural sources contains dissolved substances. But drinking water does not need to be pure to be safe. The only way to know if drinking water quality is acceptable is through water testing. Water from a public or municipal supply is tested regularly and meets federal and state guidelines. Having private drinking water tested is a voluntary choice, as is the safety or quality of water you use.

Are you concerned about contaminants in your water supply? Drinking water treatment may be an option for some water quality problems. More people are using bottled water as their primary source of drinking water. Is bottled water or tap water safer?

Situations in Nebraska such as tornadoes, floods, and winter storms can reduce or eliminate the availability of safe drinking water. It's a good idea to store an emergency drinking water supply.

Water use and conservation in the home varies, but most people use 70 to 100 gallons per person per day. You can become a more efficient water user by changing some simple practices and selecting efficient appliances and equipment.

 

Information presented within the drinking water section of this Water Web site has been reviewed by University of Nebraska - Lincoln Drinking Water Team members Bruce Dvorak, Sharon Skipton and Wayne Woldt.
Did You Know?

Are you among the 50 million annual visitors to the Orlando area, many visiting Walt Disney World?  An article in the July/August 2008 issue of "Water Efficiency" reported Disney World has their own sewage-return system.  Reclaimed water is treated to drinking water standards before being used to irrigate the landscape and golf course, and wash streets and buses.  Treatment includes disinfection with ozone and ultraviolet.  While you can't reclaim and reuse your sewage, you can be an efficient water user.  Check out the efficient water use page for more information.