Lincoln currently has a safe, reliable, and sufficient water supply projected to meet our needs for the next 20 to 25 years. However, ensuring a sustainable future means acting now. The City of Lincoln is committed to water conservation and responsible stewardship, recognizing that resilience to future drought conditions will be key to long-term success. As the saying goes, “water is life” and securing our community’s water future for the next generation requires thoughtful planning today. That’s why the City is launching Water 2.0: Securing Lincoln’s Second Source, a critical project to safeguard and diversify our water supply for decades to come.
A thorough review of potential options was conducted through an Alternatives Analysis Study, which took place from July to December 2022. After careful evaluation, a final plan was selected in January 2023—marking a major milestone in Lincoln’s efforts to ensure a secure and resilient water future.
Water 2.0: Securing Lincoln’s Second Source work is ongoing. A list of work related to this effort is below.
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98th Street Water Transmission Main
This water transmission main will complete the connection from the Northeast Pump Station, located at 98th Street and Alvo Road, to the Vine Street Reservoir, and will also serve as the second source connecting point to the existing water system.
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Survey Work in Lancaster and Cass Counties
The City of Lincoln Transportation and Utilities is performing general survey work within the Lancaster County and Cass County rights-of-way to better understand the land and support future planning for its Water 2.0: Securing a Second Source project, specifically to evaluate a potential route for a future water transmission line from the new treatment plant site to Lincoln.
Preliminary Water Transmission Main Alignment Map 
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History
In Nebraska, we know water underpins our existence as an agricultural icon. Linked to our cultural heritage and rich history of farming, water defines who we are, what we do, and what is most precious to us. From farms to cities across our state, this connection is undeniable. A second source of water supply has been contemplated in Lincoln water system planning efforts dating back to 2005 following the 2002 drought. Since that time, planning the second source of supply was adopted in the 2014 Master Plan(PDF, 9MB) following the 2012 drought. This effort is also mentioned in the 2020 Master Plan. Planning for water supply takes many years, funding and dedication to accomplish this goal. Beginning research and water supply development discussions are important to begin now.
Conservation
Lincoln Water System customers use 30% less water today than in the 1980s due to water conservation, plumbing innovations, regulations, and greater awareness. Lincoln Water System has also increased its summer capacity by more than 30% over the last 10 years by adding wells. These efforts make a significant difference to today’s community and will continue to positively impact the city as it plans to secure a second long-term water source for Lincoln’s future generations.
Community and Area Benefits
A second water source will maintain Lincoln’s current water supply and secure a second water source for the community’s future generations. It will also:
Apply best practices and modern policy, engineering and legal principles to determine the best solutions for Lincoln.
Engage residents and citizens regularly to inform them of our challenges, opportunities and decisions.
Prioritize water conservation and stewardship.
Apply sound policy, best practices, and modern engineering principles to inform City decisions about the future of water supply.
Inform residents and businesses about Lincoln’s current water system as well as future water supply sourcing and planning.
Support a growing city and afford an opportunity to other communities to connect to a regional water supply.
Create economic development opportunities along I-80.
Grow jobs, attract businesses, increase revenue for Lincoln, surrounding areas, and the State of Nebraska.
Protect farmers