Crystal Powers - Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator

Nebraska Beach Monitoring

Are you planning a day at the lake?  Did you know you can check on the water quality before you head out?

Nitrate in Nebraska

From increased water bills to closed lakes to tainted drinking water, high nitrate levels are affecting thousands of Nebraskans. Nitrate can’t be seen or smelled, but it is in Nebraska’s groundwater, which is the source of drinking water for much of the state. Nitrate also contaminates surface water such as streams and lakes. 

Nebraska Nitrate Working Groups - Summary and Call for Action

Collaborating organizations Aubudon Nebraska

Hydro-tourism Focus for Spring Water Seminar Series

2022 Water Seminar series will highlight the significance that water holds in and around Nebraska and its ability to bring people from all walks of life together. The series is organized by The Nebraska Water Center, in partnership with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources.

Know Your Well Project Educating a New Generation on the Importance of Safe Drinking Water for Nebraska

Know Your Well project has been teaching high school students about sampling drinking water since 2017. Read these students' stories and the ongoing impact of this program.

Economic Impact of the Irrigation Equipment and Services Industry

A new study by University of Nebraska's DWFI and NDMC measured the economic impact of the irrigation industry in the United States and found that it has been growing by 2% per year since 2010 with a direct economic impact of nearly $9 billion and indirect impacts of $23.3 billion.

Join Citizen Science + Water Quality

Join over 800 Nebraskans who are already exploring our water! This FREE Water Quality Testing program for plant nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, phosphate) is seeking volunteers to join the fourth year of testing surface and groundwater in Nebraska. Learn more and sign up by visiting go.unl.edu/wqcs

Join us for the Platte River Basin Conference

The 2022 Platte River Basin Conference and 3rd Playa Research Symposium will be held Monday, October 24th to Thursday, October 27th at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, Nebraska. Join leaders from Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, and beyond to discuss the interrelated perspectives needed to create vibrant, resilient solutions for the future of the people and wildlife who depend on the Platte River Basin. Conference topics include:

Don’t Lose Out on Free Nitrogen from Irrigation Water

Extension recommendations for calculating the amount of nitrate-nitrogen in irrigation water and optimal timing of applications to reduce the cost of nitrogen inputs in irrigated corn.

Early Season Irrigation During Drought

In a dry spring like 2025, early irrigation may be needed — but applying too much water too soon risks losing nitrogen and rainfall storage. Learn how soil moisture monitoring and timing can protect yields and inputs.