ABOUT THIS REPORTING
The water many Nebraskans drink, shower with and take for granted is high in nitrate. And, after decades of inaction, the problem is growing worse. The statewide median nitrate level in our groundwater has doubled since 1978.
Despite this, state and local governments have taken little action to regulate the farming practices that lead to nitrate seeping into our drinking water.
Recent studies have found that areas with elevated nitrate levels also have elevated levels of lymphoma, leukemia and brain cancers in children.
Our Dirty Water: Nebraska’s nitrate problem is growing worse. It’s likely harming our kids.
Nebraska's nitrate level has doubled in the past four decades. Despite this, state and local governments have taken little action to regulate the farming practices that lead to nitrate seeping into our drinking water.
Source: Flatwater Free Press analysis of the Nebraska Groundwater Quality Clearinghouse data
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Our Dirty Water: State didn’t release some info showing worsening nitrate
A new $1 million state study on nitrate in drinking water showed, in its final report, that nitrate levels are, on average, decreasing in Nebraskans’ tap water provided…
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Our Dirty Water: Emails reveal Nebraska leaders cast doubt on nitrate research
The 3,000 emails, obtained by FFP after a years-long fight over public records, show state leaders acting, or not acting, on concerns from experts and regular Nebraskans that drinking water testing high in nitrate could cause harm.
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Pillen’s Water: High nitrate detected on hog farms owned by Nebraska’s governor
Monitoring wells at 16 Pillen family-tied operations have tested for nitrate levels far above legal drinking water limit. One was so high, an expert said, “it should be a 911.”
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Some Nebraska farmers are protecting drinking water while boosting profit. Here’s how.
Kerry Knuth steers his sprayer across a field, occasionally craning his neck to watch his newest piece of equipment shoot fertilizer at the base of his growing corn.…
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We won: See the ruling in our case against a $45,000 records fee
Back in November, the Nebraska Journalism Trust sued the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy over what we considered an improper estimate for fees in response to a…
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Nitrate help in your area: Find your NRD, learn about its resources
Nitrate testing and treatment resources vary widely by Natural Resources District. Flatwater Free Press emailed questions about testing, treatment, and who to contact to every NRD in the…
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Nebraska’s nitrate problem is serious. Two dozen experts say how they’d solve it.
Pretend for a moment that Nebraska somehow halted all use of nitrogen fertilizer – not a single speck more on our lawns, golf courses and corn fields. What…
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Here’s how to protect yourself from nitrate in Nebraska water
Nebraskans curious about nitrate levels in their drinking water, take heed: You can get your water tested. And once that water is tested, there are a few potential…
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Clean water doesn’t come cheap: Nebraska towns are shelling out millions to treat nitrate-laced drinking water.
Marty Stange was grasping for solutions to keep 25,000 residents safe – and a city’s budget from breaking. It was 2015. Multiple wells providing water to the central…
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Quick Hit: Nebraska’s water is laced with nitrate. It’s likely harming our kids
Recent studies have found that areas with elevated nitrate levels also have elevated levels of lymphoma, leukemia and brain cancers in children.
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Our Dirty Water: Nebraska’s nitrate problem is growing worse. It’s likely harming our kids.
Nebraska's nitrate level has doubled in the past four decades. Despite this, state and local governments have taken little action to regulate the farming practices that lead to nitrate seeping into our drinking water.