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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

UNL Water

Your natural resource for reliable drinking water information

Know how. Know now.

UNL Extension provides publications on many pertinent drinking water issues to give you know how.

 VISIT THE UNL EXTENSION DRINKING WATER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS PAGE

*Note: Most NebGuides are available in a web page html format. If you prefer to print these articles and read offline select the PDF version. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and print PDF files. All PDFs are 2-4 pages unless otherwise noted. You can download the current version of Adobe Reader at no charge from the Adobe Web site.
 

An Introduction to Drinking Water
Reference on drinking water protection, quality and treatment including both public and private drinking water.
PDF version (423 KB)

Water: The Nutrient
How water helps the body function and its nutritive value.
PDF version (585 KB)

Drinking Water: Bottled or Tap? 
Provides discussion of the regulation and safety of drinking water from various sources, both public and private.
PDF version (594 KB)

Decommissioning Water Wells To Protect Water Quality and Human Health
Describes the process and available resources when an illegal private well must be abandoned.
PDF version (717 KB)

Drinking Water: Testing for Quality
Discusses water testing methods for public and private water systems.
PDF version (319 KB)
Drinking Water: Certified Water Testing Laboratories in Nebraska
Lists approved government and commercial operated laboratories.
PDF version  (128 KB)

Individual references on various minerals and contaminants in drinking water including sources, health effects, testing and management options:

Drinking Water Treatment: An Overview -PDF only (614 KB; 11 pages)
NebGuide provides an overview of household water problems, causes and potential health effects. The treatment methods listed in this guide are for household water problems requiring prolonged treatment.

Drinking Water Treatment: What you need to know when selecting water treatment equipment
PDF version (633 KB)
This NebGuide will help the consumer sort through water quality and treatment issues for the household.

 No system is capable of removing all possible contaminants, but several methods are available for home water treatment including:

Chloromines Water Disinfection
This NebGuide discusses the disinfection process used by the Omaha and Lincoln public water systems.
PDF version (623 KB)

Drinking Water Treatment: Emergency Procedures
Discusses situations requiring an emergency or short-term drinking water supply and methods that can be used to treat limited amounts of water for human consumption.
PDF version (630 KB)

Drinking Water: Storing an Emergency Supply
Taking a little time now to store an emergency water supply can prepare you for all types of disasters. Learn how you can provide for your entire family and possibly others if your water supply is disrupted.
PDF version (218 KB)

Make Every Drop Count In Your Home -PDF only  (502 KB)
Water use and conservation tactics for property owners.
Make Every Drop Count In Your Yard -PDF only (120 KB)
Information on efficient water usage in the landscape.

Private Water Systems Handbook Available for $32.00 plus shipping and handling
This newly revised handbook is a valuable tool for users of private water systems.  It includes information on water needs, testing, treatment, and conservation; wells, pumps, water distribution systems, pressure tanks, water sources, and water system maintenance.  Order MWPS-14, ISBN 0-90373-105-6 by web.  (While this book is an excellent source of information, it is important to check state and local laws, regulations, codes and licensure since requirements can vary depending on location.)

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