In the United States, drinking water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and groundwater. Lincoln’s water source is groundwater that is naturally high in quality. It comes from wells along the Platte River near Ashland. Approximately one-half of the supply is groundwater and approximately one-half is groundwater under the direct influence of surface water. In 2021, more than 13.6 billion gallons of water were pumped from these wells to serve the 292,000 people who used an average of about 37.5 million gallons of water each day.
A source water assessment of our water supply was completed by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE). The assessment includes maps, an inventory of potential contaminant sources and a determination of the vulnerability of the system to contamination. If you have any questions or would like to view the source water assessment, call John Keith, 402-441-1622, to schedule an appointment.
As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, naturally occurring minerals dissolve, and the water can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animal or human activities. Factors that can impact the quality of our source water include microbial contaminants, organic or inorganic contaminants, pesticides, herbicides, and radioactive contaminants. To ensure that tap water is safe, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Safe Drinking Water standards limit the amount of contaminants in the water supplied to customers. Following the treatment process, Lincoln’s drinking water continues to meet all of these standards. Lincoln’s water does contain small amounts of atrazine and arsenic but these levels remain below USEPA Safe Drinking Water standards.
Atrazine is a herbicide used by farmers to kill weeds in corn and grain sorghum. Atrazine is applied to the fields at planting time. When it rains, atrazine is washed from fields and enters streams and rivers.
Arsenic, a naturally occurring element associated with soil and rock, is also detected in Lincoln’s drinking water and remains below USEPA limits. The Safe Drinking Water standard (the Maximum Contaminant Level) for arsenic is 10 parts per billion (ppb). While Lincoln’s drinking water meets USEPA’s standard, it does contain between 6.9 ppb and 7.3 ppb arsenic based on testing performed in 2021. USEPA’s standard balances arsenic’s possible health effects against the cost of removing it from drinking water. USEPA continues to research the health effects. At concentrations much higher than regulatory levels, arsenic is known to cause some types of cancer and other health problems. Lincoln Water System continues to evaluate options for future treatment and removal of arsenic as regulations require.
Thanks to the natural filtration of groundwater, nature has already done much of the work in enhancing the quality of Lincoln’s water. Lincoln’s source water contains iron and manganese, which can stain clothing and plumbing fixtures if left untreated. To remove these and other unwanted substances, water is pumped to the water treatment plants. The water flows through one of two processes before it is distributed to your home or business.
The oldest process, highly effective since the 1930s, uses aeration, chlorination, detention and filtration. An exact amount of chlorine is added to the water in a large underground reservoir. The water is held in the reservoir for up to two hours. This allows the chlorine to inactivate microbes. It also oxidizes iron and manganese to form particles which are then trapped in the sand filters.
The second process uses ozone technology. Ozone, an extremely strong oxidizer and disinfectant, quickly inactivates microbes. It also causes iron and manganese to form particles which are then removed in the filtration process.
The next step is vital to protecting the health of our community. Once the water passes through the filters, small but exact amounts of chlorine and ammonia are added. These chemicals combine to form a disinfectant called “chloramine,” which limits the growth of bacteria in the City’s water distribution pipes. Finally, fluoride is added to help prevent tooth decay.
Horizontal Wells Raw Water
Horizontal wells supply water classified as groundwater under the direct influence of surface water from the Platte River.
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Horizontal Wells Ozonation
Ozone (O3) kills microbes and oxidizes manganese and iron so they can be filtered out. Ozone is a very strong oxidizer that decays rapidly.
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Horizontal Wells Chlorination and Filter-Aid
Chlorine is added to kill microbes and enhance manganese filtration. A filter-aid polymer is used to enhance solids removal in the filtration process.
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Horizontal Wells Filtration
Water is filtered by gravity through a layer of anthracite and a layer of sand to remove impurities. The filters are regularly cleaned with backwashing.
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Horizontal Wells Chloramination and Fluoride
Chloramines are formed by combining chlorine and ammonia. This provides protection from microbes in the distribution system. Fluoride is added for dental health.
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Vertical Wells Raw Water
Vertical wells supply water classified as groundwater. Since the water comes from an aquifer, water quality is not directly influenced by surface water from the Platte River.
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Vertical Wells Aeration
Water percolates through coke tray aerators, adding air to the water. This begins the oxidation process of naturally occurring manganese and iron so they can be filtered out.
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Vertical Wells Chlorination
Chlorine is added to kill microbes and further oxidize iron and manganese to enhance filtration. Excess iron and manganese can affect the taste and discolor the water.
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Vertical Wells Filtration
Water is filtered by gravity through a layer of sand that removes impurities. The filters are regularly cleaned with backwashing.
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Vertical Wells Chloramination and Fluoride
Chloramines are formed by combining chlorine and ammonia. This provides protection from microbes in the distribution system. Fluoride is added for dental health.
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Special Health Requirements
While the presence of chloramines in our water is not a cause for concern among the general public, home dialysis patients, immuno-compromised individuals and aquarium owners must take special precautions before the water can be used.
Water used for kidney dialysis equipment may require further treatment. Please contact your doctor or dialysis technician to ensure that your home equipment is adequate and proper tests are being made every time it is used.
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. This includes immuno-compromised persons, such as those with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy, those who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or otherimmune system disorders, some elderly people and infants. These customers and caregivers should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. USEPA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on how to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.
These tables show the concentrations of detected substances in comparison to the regulatory limits. Substances not detected are not included in the table.
The USEPA and Nebraska Drinking Water Program establish the safe drinking water regulations that limit the amount of contaminants allowed in drinking water. The State requires monitoring of certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Therefore, some of this data may be older than one year.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants
and potential health effects can be obtained by visiting the USEPA’s website at epa.gov, calling the USEPA hotline at 800-426-4791 or calling the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department at 402-441-8000.
| Element Tested |
Highest Test Result |
Range of Test Results |
Sample Date |
EPA’s MCL (Highest Level Allowed) |
EPA’s MCLG (Goal) |
Standard Met? |
Source |
| Barium |
0.112 ppm |
0.110-0.112 ppm |
2019* |
2 ppm |
2 ppm |
Yes |
Discharge from drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits |
| Fluoride |
0.969 ppm |
0.913 - 0.969 ppm |
2019* |
4 ppm |
4 ppm |
Yes |
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; fertilizer discharge |
| Nitrate + Nitrite |
1.62 ppm |
0.73 - 1.62 ppm |
2021 |
10 ppm |
10 ppm |
Yes |
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits |
|
*Barium and fluoride are required to be tested every 3 years.
Fluoride is added in treatment to bring the natural fluoride level of about 0.4 ppm to the State recommended level of 0.8 - 1.5 ppm. LWS continuously monitors the fluoride level in the water.
|
| Element Tested |
Highest Test Result |
Range of Test Results |
Sample Date |
EPA’s MCL (Highest Level Allowed) |
EPA’s MCLG (Goal) |
Standard Met? |
Source |
| Element Tested |
Highest Test Result |
Range of Test Results |
Sample Date |
EPA’s MCL (Highest Level Allowed) |
EPA’s MCLG (Goal) |
Standard Met? |
Source |
|
Gross Alpha Emitters includes Radon and Uranium.
|
| Element Tested |
Percent of Samples at or below 0.3 NTU |
Highest Result |
Sample Date |
Treatment Technique Requirement |
Highest Result Allowed |
Standard Met? |
Source |
|
Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water and is an indication of the effectiveness of our filtration system.
|
| Element Tested |
90% of LWS customers’ homes were less than |
Number of homes considered to have elevated levels |
Sample Date |
EPA’s Action Level |
EPA’s MCLG (Goal) |
Standard Met? |
Source |
| Copper |
0.724 ppm |
1 out of 65 |
2019* |
90% of homes must test less than 1.3 ppm |
1.3 ppm |
Yes |
Corrosion of household plumbing; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives |
|
*Testing is done every 3 years. Most recent tests were done in 2019.
|
| Element Tested |
Highest Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA) |
System Wide Range of Results |
Sample Date |
EPA’s MCL (Highest Level Allowed) One Year Average |
Standard Met? |
Source |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) |
24 ppb |
13 - 35 ppb |
2021 |
60 ppb |
Yes |
By-product of drinking water chlorination |
|
Monitoring for TTHMS and HAA5 is conducted at 6 locations in the City of Lincoln.
|
| Element Tested |
Highest Running Annual Average (RAA) |
System Wide Range of Results |
Sample Date |
EPA’s MCL (Highest Level Allowed) One Year Average |
EPA’s MCLG (Goal) |
Standard Met? |
Source |
|
Monitoring for Bromate is conducted at Water Treatment Plant.
|
| Element Tested |
Highest Monthly Positive Coliform Samples |
Sample Date |
EPA’s MCL (Highest Level Allowed) |
EPA’s MCLG (Goal) |
Standard Met? |
Source |
|
*Additional sampling in the distribution system is required following a positive Total Coliform Bacteria result. These results help us determine if additional actions are required. All samples were negative for E. coli.
|
| Element Tested |
Highest Running Annual Average |
Range of Test Results |
EPA’s MRDL (Highest Chlorine Level Allowed) |
EPA’s MRDLG (Highest Chlorine Level Goal) |
Sample Date |
Standard Met? |
Source |
| Parameter |
Average of Test Results |
Range of Test Results |
Sample Date |
EPA’s SMCL (Recommended Highest Level) |
Standard Met? |
| Fluoride |
0.91 ppm |
0.76 - 1.15 ppm |
2021 |
2 ppm |
Yes |
| Iron |
9 ppb |
ND - 112 ppb |
2021 |
300 ppb |
Yes |
| Manganese |
3.7 ppb |
1.3 - 12 ppb |
2021 |
50 ppb |
Yes |
| pH |
7.76 |
7.43 - 8.08 |
2021 |
6.5 - 8.5 |
Yes |
| Sodium |
31 ppm |
25 - 33 ppm |
2021 |
500 ppm* |
Yes |
| Sulfate |
74 ppm |
66 - 85 ppm |
2021 |
250 ppm |
Yes |
| Total Dissolved Solids |
337 ppm |
312 - 360 ppm |
2021 |
500 ppm |
Yes |
|
* The EPA has not set a SMCL for sodium, but Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has set a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for sodium which takes precedence.
|
| Parameter |
Average of Test Results |
Range of Test Results |
Sample Date |
| Total Alkalinity (as Calcium Carbonate) |
164 ppm |
148 - 188 ppm |
2021 |
| Total Hardness |
199 ppm or 11.6 grains per gallon |
176 - 228 ppm or 10.3 - 13.3 grains per gallon |
2021 |
Home Water Treatment Devices
Lincoln Water System meets all state and federal water quality standards. Use of a supplemental filter or home water treatment device is a personal preference, however, if not properly maintained, it could cause water quality problems. In selecting a filter or home water treatment device, determine what substance you want to remove and look for a filter that has a National Sanitation Foundation / Underwriter’s Laboratories (NSF/UL) certification to remove those specific substances. Information on plumbing fixtures and in-home filters is available by calling 1-800-NSF-MARK or visiting nsf.org.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct use and maintenance of your home treatment device.
Lincoln’s drinking water does not contain detectable levels of lead and copper in its source water or after treatment. However, the presence of lead and copper used in plumbing systems can introduce detectable levels of these contaminants into the drinking water at individual homes or businesses. Water testing conducted by Lincoln Water System has found detectable levels of lead and copper in homes built before 1988. These homes are more likely to have pipes, fixtures, and solder that contain lead. In Nebraska, plumbing materials containing high concentrations of lead were banned in 1987. Homes built before 1950 may have a portion of the water service line constructed using lead pipes, and these homes may have higher levels of lead in their drinking water.
Safe drinking water properties vary across the country depending on the water source. Lincoln’s drinking water chemistry does not promote excessive lead and copper leaching from plumbing systems. As a result, Lincoln Water System remains in compliance with USEPA requirements for lead and copper.
Lead and copper sampling is performed by Lincoln Water System every three years as required by the USEPA Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). The collective test results for the 65 samples collected in 2019 were below the USEPA action level of 15 parts per billion lead and 1,300 parts per billion copper. The statistical analysis of the test results continues to show Lincoln’s drinking water remains in compliance with USEPA requirements for lead and copper.
If present, elevated levels of lead and copper can cause serious health problems, especially for infants, young children and pregnant women. Lead and copper in drinking water comes primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Other sources of lead exposure can be lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Lincoln Water System is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in household and business plumbing components. When the water in your pipes has been sitting for several hours, USEPA recommends minimizing the potential for lead exposure by flushing your cold water tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using the cold water for drinking or cooking. Because private plumbing system construction varies, Lincoln Water System recommends flushing for at least five minutes in homes constructed prior to 1950. Consider filling a water pitcher for drinking water to avoid repeated flushing.
If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from these sources:
- USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.
- USEPA website at epa.gov/safewater/lead.
- Department of Health and Human Services / Drinking Water Division at 402-471-1009.
- The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department at 402-441-8002.
EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions Better Protects Against Exposure to Lead from Plumbing Materials
In December 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the agency’s intent to develop a new proposed rule that will strengthen the existing regulatory framework, the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. This announcement followed the EPA’s review of the revisions to the current Lead and Copper Rule that water systems must comply with starting in 2024. Included in these revisions are requirements for water systems to perform lead testing in schools and childcare facilities and to identify locations of lead service lines. Because lead service lines found in older homes and buildings can contribute significant amounts of lead to water, the revised rule re-focuses on sampling water from these locations. These revisions will help water systems better identify high levels of lead, expand consumer awareness, and improve risk communication. Lincoln Water System maintains records of water service lines, which are privately-owned. These are available for viewing on the city’s website. More information about accessing our tap records can be found in the section “Do I have a lead service line?” in this report.
Do I have a lead service line?
The water service line is the pipe that is owned by the property owner which connects their home to the public water main. Using existing records, LWS has identified approximately 4,000 privately owned water service lines that may contain lead. In some cases, records have limited or missing information that make it difficult to determine the exact material used in the installation of the service line.
Customers should also be aware that lead-containing materials can be found in other locations of the home plumbing constructed before 2014 when lead-containing materials were banned from use.
Hire a Plumber
We recommend you use an experienced, certified plumber to assist in reviewing your service line record and in identifying lead-containing materials in your plumbing system, fittings, fixtures, or other potential sources of lead.
Access our records
You can view information on your water service line by accessing records online. Knowing this information can be helpful in determining the risk of your service line contributing to lead in your water.
Access our tap record interactive map at lincoln.ne.gov/WaterServiceLines. The database is searchable by address, owner, parcel number, or by clicking on a property on the map. If there are records associated with the selected address, they will appear under the heading “TAP Images”. Click on all the records labeled “Water” to see the images of our records. Please feel free to call Lincoln Water System at 402-441-7571 for help interpreting these records. It is important to look over all the records listed as many older service lines have been partially or fully replaced and will have additional records indicating this. If the supply line was replaced, you should see the words “old tap abandoned” and/or “replacement tap”. Please be aware these records may not be complete, may have missing information, or may not have been updated if the property owner had work performed and it was not reported to Lincoln Water System.
You can also call Lincoln Water System at 402-441-7571 for information about your service line.
Reduce Outdoor Water Use
The last time Lincoln had mandatory water restrictions caused by drought conditions was during the summer of 2012. Since that time, the City has revised its Water Management Plan to simplify watering restrictions. One important change, if water restrictions are imposed, is placing all multi-family, commercial, industrial and governmental properties, street medians and single-family properties with a common irrigation system on a set schedule regardless of address. Designated watering days for these properties are on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Single-family properties and duplexes will be on the designated day schedule shown below based on even/odd numbered addresses if water restrictions are imposed.
Designated Day Outdoor Watering Schedule
| Property Type |
Sun |
Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
Thu |
Fri |
Sat |
| Multi-family, commercial, industrial, governmental, institutional properties, street medians and single family properties (townhome developments) with a common irrigation system. All addresses. |
Sunday •
|
|
Tuesday •
|
|
|
Friday
|
|
| Single-family properties and duplexes with even-numbered addresses (ending in 0,2,4,6 or 8) |
Sunday •
|
|
|
Wednesday •
|
|
Friday
|
|
| Single-family properties and duplexes with odd-numbered addresses (ending in 1,3,5,7 or 9) |
|
|
Tuesday •
|
|
Thursday •
|
|
Saturday
|
On warm summer days, several million gallons of treated drinking water are used to irrigate lawns in Lincoln. Customers are reminded that the designated three-day watering schedule is available to provide flexibility when watering. The schedule is not meant to suggest that lawns be watered all three days. Rather, property owners should consider using only minimal amounts of water to maintain landscapes, and restrict weekly watering to one or two days, if possible.
The Water Management Plan allows occasional outdoor watering at any time using an attended, handheld hose if water restrictions are imposed. This provides for watering of landscape materials, container plantings and bird baths without risk of ticketing during mandatory restrictions.
For additional information regarding the Water Management Plan and other helpful tips on water conservation, please visit water.lincoln.ne.gov, or contact the Water Management Hotline at 402-441-1212.
Water Management Plan
Conservation Tips
Check household faucets and toilets for leaks. A faucet with even a slow drip takes 10 to 25 gallons of water per month. Just think, 15 drips per minute add up to almost 3 gallons of water wasted per day, 65 gallons wasted per month and 788 gallons wasted per year!
Keep showers to five minutes or less in length. A five-minute shower takes 10 to 25 gallons of water.
Install water saving plumbing fixtures.
Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator. Then you won’t have to run tap water to cool it.
Use a broom to sweep your driveway, garage or sidewalk instead of using water.
Use a bucket of water to wash your bike or the family car, and rinse quickly with a hose.
Water your lawn in the evening or in the early morning to avoid evaporation. Be careful to water only the lawn and not the sidewalk or the street.
Use water only when you need it. Don’t leave water running, and be sure to turn it off when you are finished.
How can residents help protect our water?
You, our customers, also play an important role in protecting Lincoln’s drinking water. One way to help is by preventing “cross connections”, any connection between the drinking water supply and a source of possible contamination or pollution. Cross connections are controlled either by eliminating them or installing approved backflow prevention devices that stop contaminates from flowing back into the drinking water supply.
Typical backflow device for a lawn irrigation system.
Contaminants and pollutants can enter the drinking water supply when there is a sudden loss of pressure from heavy usage or a fire in the area of a broken water main. When that happens, contaminated water could be siphoned through the plumbing system into the public water mains. These pressure drops occur somewhere in the City almost every day. Backflow prevention devices are important in preventing contaminants from entering the water supply in these situations.
Every five years, property owners and tenants are required by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services regulations to inspect their plumbing systems and report any suspected or potential cross connections to Lincoln Water System. Residential and commercial customers are notified when a “premise survey” is required. These surveys must be completed and sent back to Lincoln Water System. All cross connections to the public water supply must be protected with a suitable backflow prevention device.
Property owners and tenants have the responsibility to identify if any cross connections exist on their property and to ensure they are properly protected with an approved backflow prevention device. Property owners and tenants must have these devices tested annually to ensure proper, continuous operation. A list of registered testers can be obtained from Lincoln Water System by calling 402-441-5912. The cost of the test is the responsibility of the owner. For more information on the cross connection program, visit the City’s website at water.lincoln.ne.gov.
Cross Connection Control Program
Lawn Irrigation Systems
The Lincoln Plumbing Code requires a backflow device on lawn irrigation systems. Backflow devices on lawn irrigation systems are exempt from annual testing. However, to ensure proper operation and to protect against contamination of the interior plumbing system, it is recommended these devices are also inspected and tested at regular intervals. Contact your local irrigation system contractor or plumbing contractor for additional information.
Lincoln Water System is a proud member of AWWA
Lincoln Water System Facts
- Lincoln Water System spent $1.53 million for electricity and diesel fuel to treat and pump water to Lincoln and another $1.41 million for electricity to distribute water to all parts of the City in 2021.
- Each person in Lincoln used an average of 128 gallons of water every day in 2021.
- The City of Lincoln covers an area of more than 100.7 square miles.
- Lincoln Water System maintains 1,281 miles of water mains, 12,300 fire hydrants, and 28,500 valves.
- 128 broken mains were repaired in 2021.
- Water service lines between the main and private property are owned and maintained by the property owner.
- Water temperature is affected by seasonal weather. In 2021, the coldest water measured at a tap in Lincoln was 44°F and the warmest was 78°F.
To Learn More
For answers to questions you may have or to learn more about the water you drink, call John Keith, Manager of Laboratory Services, Lincoln Water System, at 402-441-1622. This report and other information about water are available on the City’s website at water.lincoln.ne.gov.
Drinking water quality and the infrastructure required to deliver water to homes and businesses in Lincoln are essential to the community. The Lincoln Water System Facilities Master Plan, available at lincoln.ne.gov (search: water master plan) is a great way to learn more about Lincoln’s water system and its future plans for providing the community an adequate supply of high-quality drinking water. The Mayor and City Council make decisions regarding Lincoln Water System. To participate or provide input, contact your City Council representative. A list is available at council.lincoln.ne.gov.