LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are offering free water testing to private well owners affected by floods.
Recent flood conditions can threaten the quality of private water supplies. A press release from DHS stresses that any flooded water wells impacted by flooding should be tested to ensure safety.
Cloudiness or a change in smell or taste are signs of potential contamination. If there is any indication that the water supply has been breached by flood waters, even if there are no noticeable differences, residents are encouraged to test the water.
Residents with wells impacted by flood water are also encouraged to contact their local water well professional to provide shock well treatments, or follow the well treatment guide from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln here.
Samples will test for coliform and E.coli. Information is also available about disposal of solid wastes and septic systems.
Below are the private well water testing locations and times:
Columbus – Thursday, March 28
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Nebraska Extension Platte County
2715 13th Street
Columbus
West Point - Friday, March 29
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: West Point City Municipal Building
444 S Main Street
West Point
Fremont – Monday, April 1
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Three Rivers Public Health Department
2400 N. Lincoln Avenue
Fremont
Ashland – Tuesday, April 2
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Ashland City Library
324 Silver Street
Ashland
According to a press release from DHS, here's how testing works:
- Pick up a testing kit at the locations during the hours specified or from one of the local sites listed below ahead of time.
- Follow the instructions and collect a water sample from the private well. Be sure to use the container that comes with the kit.
- Bring the sample back before 5:00 PM to one of the locations during the day noted above to be eligible for free testing. Samples not brought to the locations will be subject to mailing and processing costs.
Sample kits can be picked up at the following locations prior to the event:
Nebraska Extension Platte County for Thursday
2715 13th Street
Columbus
Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department for Friday
2104 21st Circle
Wisner
Three Rivers Public Health Department Monday and Tuesday
2400 N. Lincoln Street
Fremont
