Summer is underway, and for many, pools can be a place to cool off and have fun. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (DWEE) works to ensure those pools are operated safely and that swimmers’ health is protected.

DWEE oversees the state’s Swimming Pool Program, which trains and certifies pool operators, conducts inspections of public swimming pools and reviews and issues construction permits for public pools.

The state has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County, Pawnee Lake in Lancaster County, and Kirkman’s Cove Lake in Richardson County.

After being on alert last week, Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County has been removed from alert.
Samples taken earlier this week at the lakes on alert measured above the threshold of 8 parts per billion (ppb) of total microcystin, which is a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.

The state has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Kirkman’s Cove Lake in Richardson County.

Samples taken earlier this week at Kirkman’s Cove Lake measured above the threshold of 8 parts per billion (ppb) of total microcystin, which is a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy Grants Section will present a 2024 Litter and Waste Reduction and Recycling Grants Application Webinar on Wednesday, July 12, at 1:30 PM. This is intended for anyone interested in learning more about each of the grant categories and who is eligible to apply. Application period runs June 28 through Aug. 9, 2023. No registration is necessary.

WHAT: 2024 Litter and Waste Reduction and Recycling Grants Application
WHEN: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., July 12, 2023
WHO: DWEE’s Grants Section

Energy security and emergency planning are critical. That is why the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (DWEE) is involved in emergency preparedness in multiple ways.

The state has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Swanson Reservoir in Hitchcock County.

The state has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Big Indian Lake (11A) in Gage County. Swanson Reservoir in Hitchcock County remains on health alert after being on alert last week.

Samples taken earlier this week at the lakes measured above the threshold of 8 parts per billion (ppb) of total microcystin, which is a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (DWEE) released a mid-year report on nitrate and water quality which includes nitrate data on private drinking water along with an update regarding the agency's continued effort to protect Nebraskans and the state's drinking water supply. DWEE Director Jim Macy said the new report shows that Nebraska’s drinking water quality remains high, and that Nebraska has the necessary tools to continue improving drinking water quality.