Lincoln – The Nebraska Department Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are offering free testing for total coliform and E.coli for samples submitted by private well owners during the collection events listed below. In addition, information about septic systems and disposal of solid wastes will also be available.

Recent flood conditions can pose threats to the quality of private water supplies. Flooded private water wells or wells suspected of being impacted by flooding should be tested to ensure that they are safe. Cloudiness or a change in taste or smell are signs of possible contamination. However, if there is any indication that the water supply has been breached by flood waters, even without noticeable changes in taste or smell, residents are encouraged to test their well water. Residents with wells inundated in flood water are also advised to contact their local water well professional to shock treat their well or follow well treatment guidance from UNL at https://flood.unl.edu/ followed up by testing.

Private water well 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

1324 Silver Street
Ashland

Here’s how it 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.

Locations where sample kits can be picked up before 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

Nebraskans can also request kits from the Nebraska Public Health Environmental Laboratory to test for coliform bacteria. The kit is free. The cost to run the test is $17.00. Order kits online at http://www.nebraska.gov/dhhs/water-test-kits/private.html or by calling (402) 471-3935 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

More helpful information is available for private well owners on the DHHS flooding resources page - http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/flooding.