Water Test Alleviates Uncertainty About Contamination
Drinking water quality is a concern that affects everyone. It often leads to questions about what is in the water and if the water is safe.
Water from a natural source contains dissolved substances. These substances often are called contaminants, especially when the amounts present are at possibly harmful or problematic levels.
Groundwater is the primary source for much of our drinking water in Nebraska. Contaminants like arsenic, uranium, iron, manganese, sulfur, and calcium occur naturally in some of our groundwater supplies. Other contaminants like bacteria and nitrate can occur because of human activity like poor sewage treatment, poor management of livestock manure, or poor management of fertilizers.
Groundwater is the primary source for much of our drinking water in Nebraska. Contaminants like arsenic, uranium, iron, manganese, sulfur, and calcium occur naturally in some of our groundwater supplies. Other contaminants like bacteria and nitrate can occur because of human activity like poor sewage treatment, poor management of livestock manure, or poor management of fertilizers.
Research shows some substances may be harmful only when present at high enough concentrations. At low concentrations, many contaminates do not cause known harmful health effects and some, like calcium, may be beneficial.
The best way to alleviate concerns of water quality used for drinking and cooking is for the water to be tested. The quality of all public drinking water supplies is regulated by Environmental Protection Agency under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has the primary responsibility of implementing and enforcing Safe Drinking Water Act standards in Nebraska. Public water supplies are tested and managed for a variety of potential contaminants. The quality of private drinking water supplies in Nebraska is not regulated by federal or state statutes. Analytical testing of private water supplies can determine what is in the water and if concentrations are high enough to be of concern. Water test kits are available at the Extension Office.
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