Well Water Testing Requirements in Nebraska (NE)
Nebraska does not require ongoing private well testing. New wells must be tested for bacteria and nitrate. The state sits over the Ogallala aquifer and has widespread nitrate contamination from agriculture. The Nebraska DHHS offers low-cost testing through the state lab. The state has approximately 150,000 private wells.
Required Contaminant Tests in Nebraska
Nebraska requires testing for the following 2 contaminants for new wells:
Common Contaminants in Nebraska Well Water
Based on geological conditions, land use patterns, and historical testing data, these contaminants are commonly found in Nebraska private wells. Even if not required by law, testing for these contaminants is recommended.
Testing Requirements by City in Nebraska
Local testing requirements may vary from state-level regulations. Some counties and municipalities have stricter rules than the state minimum. Below are details for major cities in Nebraska.
| City | Testing Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha | No | Douglas County; Missouri River alluvial |
| Lincoln | No | State capital; Lancaster County |
| Grand Island | No | Hall County; high nitrate area |
| Kearney | No | Buffalo County; Platte River area |
| North Platte | No | Lincoln County; Ogallala aquifer |
Testing Recommendations for Nebraska Well Owners
- Even though your state does not require testing, the EPA recommends testing private well water annually for bacteria and nitrate.
- Nitrate contamination is common in your area. Test annually, especially if near agricultural land.
Understanding Nebraska's Well Water Regulations
Testing Frequency
Nebraska does not require ongoing testing of private well water. However, the EPA recommends all private well owners test annually for bacteria and nitrate, regardless of state requirements. Proactive testing is the only way to ensure your well water is safe.
New Well Requirements
Nebraska requires testing when a new well is constructed or an existing well is significantly modified. The required tests include bacteria (coliform/e. coli), nitrate, and the well must pass these tests before being put into service for drinking water. Well construction must comply with state standards and a permit is required before drilling.
State Laboratory and Testing Resources
Nebraska operates a state laboratory or participates in a state lab network that provides water testing services, often at subsidized rates below commercial laboratory prices. Contact your state health department or environmental agency for current pricing and sample submission procedures. Many county health departments also offer basic bacteria testing, sometimes at no cost. The average cost for a comprehensive well water test in Nebraska is approximately $100, though a basic bacteria and nitrate screen may cost significantly less.
How Nebraska Compares
Nebraska has a minimal level of well water testing regulation. Below are other states with similar regulatory approaches.
| State | Testing Required | Test at Sale | Required Tests | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska (NE) | No | No | 2 | $100 |
| Alabama (AL) | No | No | 1 | $150 |
| Alaska (AK) | No | No | 2 | $200 |
| Arizona (AZ) | No | No | 2 | $175 |
| Arkansas (AR) | No | No | 1 | $125 |
| California (CA) | No | No | 2 | $250 |
Check Other States
Use our well water testing lookup tool to check requirements for any state, or browse all 50 states ranked by testing strictness. If you are moving to or buying property in Nebraska, understanding the testing requirements is an important part of your due diligence.