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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

UNL Water

Your natural resource for reliable well and wellhead management information

digging a well photo

Well & Wellhead Management

Nebraska is blessed with abundant groundwater that is generally of good quality.  Groundwater is water that fills the openings or pore spaces in sand, gravel, and rock formations.  An aquifer is a formation containing a usable amount of water.  Groundwater from aquifers is a major source of water in Nebraska. It is a vital source for agricultural irrigation and for drinking water. Wells are used to access groundwater.

Everyone can do something to protect groundwater and reduce risks to our water supply.  The National Ground Water Association urges all citizens to be good water stewards.  Good practices include:

  • Properly decommissioning all out-of-service wells.  
    Every Natural Resources District (NRD) assists well owners with the cost of decommissioning out-of-service water wells.  Payment rates vary by NRD, but may be 60 to 75% of the cost. 
     
  • Inspecting septic systems for proper operation. 
    Failing septic systems can be a risk to the environmental and human health.  Systems should be inspected by a certified professional and the tank should be pumped on a regular basis.
  • Having domestic well water tested annually.
    It's a good idea to test the quality of water from a new drinking water well, periodically monitor the quality of an existing well, or test irrigation water for nutrients.
     
  • Properly applying fertilizers and pesticides to lawns and landscapes.
    Fertilizers and pesticides must be managed properly on lawns and landscapes, in public areas such as parks and golf courses, and on cropland.  

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services regulations cover well design and consruction, registration of new wells, and the proper decommissioning of out-of-service wells.

The Water Systems Council offers a Wellcare®Hotline for household well owners.  The National Ground Water Association offers a Well Owner site with information on groundwater and private water wells.  Both are  committed to protecting groundwater and ensuring that drinking water from private wells is safe.
Did You Know?

Proper well design and construction are critical to protect our groundwater, your drinking water, and you and your family's health.  The National Ground Water Association's Well Owner site provides information about groundwater and private water wells.  Find maintenance information, a new well checklist, and information to help with your water quality questions.  They even have a kid's section on groundwater protection.