Water News Archive

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Chemigation Training in 2023

Chemigation training is offered at face-to-face events and online through the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, at no cost to the individual.

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Commercial and Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator Training in 2023

In addition to in-person and online training sessions, individuals can recertify their pesticide applicator licenses at five conferences in 2023, including Nebraska Extension's Crop Production Clinics beginning Jan. 4 across the state.

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Estimating Daily Soil Erosion in Nebraska

Soil erosion and subsequent sediment delivered to streams and lakes is a serious water quality problem in Nebraska. Sedimentation of small reservoirs reduced flood-holding capacity. High nutrient runoff can lead to harmful algal blooms.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Pesticide Safety Certification Training for Private Applicators in 2023

There are several important changes to Nebraska's application certification/licensing program for 2023, including age requirements, identification information, aerial licensure and more.

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Minimizing the Impact of Winter Weather on Water & Wastewater Systems

In Nebraska, extreme winter weather can hit us quickly and hang around for extended periods of time. Long periods of cold can be hard on things, but what impact do they have on your septic system, private well/water system? Are there things one can do to minimize the impact?

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Rural Nebraskans Voice Water Quality Concerns

Photo Credit: Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing

A majority of respondents to the 2022 Nebraska Rural Poll indicated they were at least somewhat concerned about contaminants in their water supply that could impact their own or their family’s health. About 45% reported they had had their water tested for nitrates, E. coli, lead, pesticides or other contaminants.

Monday, December 5, 2022

Crop Residue Removal: Its Effect on Soil and Water Quality

raking cornstalk residue. photo credit: Leslie Johnson

Some crop growers have always removed crop residue for animal feed and bedding. Crop residue removal should be done in such a way that it benefits the grower without negatively impacting the health and productivity of the soil as well as the environment.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Melting Snow is Stormwater Run Off

When we think of stormwater runoff we often think of rain. Snow melt during winter can also become stormwater runoff and carry pollutants to surface water. During winter the ground is usually frozen and melting snow cannot infiltrate into soil as a light rainfall will do. Depending on the amount of snow, this can lead to increased runoff during winter.

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

What's the Deal with Smelly Well Water?

Photo Credit: Becky Schuerman

Odors that are comparable to that of rotten eggs are not ideal in your home or coming from your drinking water faucet. Sulfate, which is a combination of sulfur and oxygen, are naturally occurring minerals. They are found in some soil and rock formations where groundwater is stored. Bacteria that feed on sulfur can produce hydrogen sulfide gas which is the primary offender when it comes to odor.

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Managing Weed Seeds in Manure

Small but mighty, weed seeds in manure can be problematic when they result in overgrown, weedy fields after manure application. Some manures can be a source of these troublesome weed seeds. But, luckily, there are some measures that can be taken to reduce the viability of those weed seeds.