LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has awarded the City of Fullerton $54,000 through its Source Water Protection (SWP) Grant program.

Fullerton will use the funds to properly decommission inactive municipal wells and up to 25 inactive private residential and irrigation wells. These actions will prevent contaminants from entering the city’s drinking water supply. One inactive municipal well will be converted into a monitoring well, which will be used to conduct routine water sampling and to provide early warning of reduced water quantity. 

NDEE’s SWP Program assists communities with protecting their drinking water sources from contamination. By preventing contamination, communities can reduce water treatment costs; avoid or defer the need for more complex, expensive treatment; and reduce public health risks. Drinking water sources can include rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater.

Eligible projects for funding are associated with SWP measures and implement protection activities in existing SWP areas, designated future SWP areas, and in the associated communities. 

SWP grants are available on an annual basis, with requests for proposals due to NDEE in the summer. For more information about the Source Water Protection program, visit NDEE’s website at https://dee.nebraska.gov/water/groundwater/source-water-protection-program, or email ndee.sourcewaterprotection@nebraska.gov.