A recent study in Nebraska revealed widespread nitrate contamination in both private and public drinking water sources. The article highlights the health risks associated with nitrate exposure, particularly for children, and the challenges of reducing nitrate levels in groundwater.
In 2023, nearly 29,000 households scattered across rural Nebraska received postcards instructing them how to get their drinking water tested, free of charge, for a harmful contaminant state policymakers have been aware of for decades. It was the state’s largest-ever effort to test registered domestic wells, which most Nebraska ns who live outside of a town use to shower, cook and drink. Unlike public water systems in cities and towns, these wells aren’t subject to regular testing and treatment.
And many are pumping out water that’s high in nitrate, a byproduct of decades of nitrogen fertilizer excessively applied to corn. A recent study by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy found that about 40% of private wells tested in the past two years contained nitrate that exceeded 3 parts per million — the level that one Nebraska medical expert considers safe for children. About 15% exceeded the federal drinking water standard. Rural Nebraska’s nitrate problem doesn’t appear to be getting any better – the results of the recent testing are roughly in line with the 20-year testing average for private wells. And nitrate levels are also rising in roughly a third of the 444 public water systems analyzed, according to the report. Those water systems provide drinking water to untold thousands of Nebraskans living in cities and towns.There are positive signs. About another third of the public water systems analyzed by the state showed a significant drop in their nitrate levels. And the average nitrate level in community water system wells is dropping slightly overall. This trend is expected because of treatment measures taken by public water systems in order to follow the federal drinking water standard, according to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. The report also identified areas where private wells are most severely threatened by nitrate: the Platte River Valley stretching across central and east-central parts of the state, the Elkhorn River Valley in northeast Nebraska and the Republican River watershed and the Little Blue and Big Blue River basins in the southern part of the state. Public water systems must treat their water when nitrate levels exceed 10 parts per million, as mandated by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Drinking water with nitrate higher than that concentration can lead to “blue baby syndrome,” a sometimes fatal disease for babies. However, experts have long raised concerns that ingesting nitrate at much lower levels than the current federal standard may still increase the risk of developing adult and pediatric cancers. University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers found Nebraska watersheds with high nitrate levels largely coincided with those with high occurrences of pediatric brain cancer, leukemia and lymphoma. Bacteria in human bodies can turn nitrate, a colorless, tasteless and odorless chemical, into nitrite and then convert it to nitrosamine, a known probable carcinogen. This may more greatly impact people already more genetically predisposed to developing various forms of cancer. Rogan believes Nebraska children shouldn’t drink water above 3 ppm, but said it’s currently all but impossible to get Nebraska water systems down to that level because of widespread nitrate contamination of groundwater. Tim Gragert is a former state senator from Creighton, the first Nebraska town to install a complex water treatment plant to filter out high nitrate.
Nitrate Contamination Drinking Water Health Risks Nebraska Groundwater
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nebraska's Meat Industry Faces Labor Shortage Amidst Fears of Mass DeportationsNebraska, a leading meat producer, grapples with a severe labor shortage, exacerbating concerns about the potential impact of incoming President Trump's mass deportation policies. The state's agricultural industry relies heavily on immigrant labor, but Trump's rhetoric and pledges raise fears among immigrants and business owners alike.
Read more »
Nebraska faces USC, seeks to halt 4-game skidNebraska aims to end its four-game losing streak when the Cornhuskers play USC. The teams square off Wednesday for the first time this season. Nebraska is 2-5 against the Big Ten, and USC is 3-4 against conference opponents.
Read more »
Trump's Proposal for Palestine Refugee Relocation Faces Widespread RejectionFormer President Donald Trump's suggestion that Egypt and Jordan should accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza has been met with widespread criticism and rejection. The proposal overlooks the existing strain on host countries, the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the need for a comprehensive solution.
Read more »
Scholz's Approval Rating Plummets as EU Faces Widespread Discontent and Potential Rightward Shift in GermanyA new multinational poll reveals a sharp decline in German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's approval rating, reflecting a broader erosion of public confidence in European Union leadership. The poll also indicates a growing sentiment among EU citizens that the bloc is headed in the wrong direction, particularly in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Germany faces a crucial election in February, with the potential for a significant rightward shift in its political landscape as support for center-right and far-right parties surges.
Read more »
SEND Provision in Lancashire Faces 'Widespread Failings', Inspectors FindA joint inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission found 'widespread failings' in special educational needs (SEND) provision in Lancashire, with families becoming 'increasingly distressed' due to unacceptable delays in assessments and support for children. The report highlighted difficulties with diagnosing neurodivergent conditions like autism and ADHD, leading to frustration and parents seeking private assessments. Production of education, health, and care (EHC) plans was also criticized for taking too long and often resulting in poor-quality plans. While acknowledging the criticisms, the Lancashire SEND Partnership expressed commitment to making vital improvements and addressing the national challenge of unacceptable waiting times for SEND children.
Read more »
Trump's Gaza Occupation Plan Faces Widespread US OppositionA recent poll reveals that 64% of Americans oppose President Donald Trump's proposal to occupy Gaza and forcibly displace its Palestinian population. The survey, conducted by Data for Progress, found strong opposition among both Democrats and Republicans, with 85% and 43% respectively against the plan. Trump's proposal, which involves transforming Gaza into a 'Riviera of the Middle East', has been met with widespread condemnation from Palestinians and the international community.
Read more »