Nebraska’s Water Quality Assessment

Assessment and reporting of Nebraska's surface water quality is performed by the Water Quality Division of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE). Teams of biologists and environmental specialists measure water quality and habitat information on-site, collect water samples for laboratory analysis, and collect benthic macroinvertebrates and fish from streams and lakes throughout the state. Every two years, NDEE publishes a report documenting the status and trends of existing water quality for all waters of the state.

Lincoln’s lakes and streams are evaluated by NDEE for applicable uses including recreation, aquatic life, and aesthetics.
Recreation applies to surface waters which are used, or have a high potential to be used, for primary contact recreational activities (e.g. swimming, water skiing, etc.). Although water may be accidentally ingested during these activities, the waterbody is not intended to be used as a potable (i.e. drinkable) water supply. Assessment criteria for recreation includes E. coli bacteria and toxic substances.
Aquatic life applies to surface waters capable of supporting aquatic life such as fish and macroinvertebrates (e.g. aquatic insects, etc.). Assessment criteria for aquatic life includes pH, temperature, toxic substances, total dissolved gases, chloride, residual chlorine, biological integrity, and other parameters. In addition, class specific assessment criteria may apply to cold or warm water habitats.

Aesthetics applies to all surface waters. To be aesthetically acceptable, lakes and streams should be free of pollution that causes offensive odors, low clarity, unnatural films, or algal blooms. Surface waters should also be free of discarded trash, junk, or dead animals. Assessment criteria may vary depending on the waterbody.

What is an impaired waterbody?

An impaired waterbody is a lake or stream that does not support its designated uses (e.g. recreation, aquatic life, aesthetics). These waterbodies are placed on the 303(d) list as per the Clean Water Act. Currently, there are 10 impaired lakes and streams in Lincoln: Antelope Creek, Beal Slough, Bowling Lake, Cardwell Branch, Deadman’s Run, Holmes Lake, Little Salt Creek, Oak Creek, Oak Lake, and Salt Creek (2 segments).

Impairments are typically listed by use. For example, Deadman’s Run is impaired for aquatic life due to low dissolved oxygen and pH. It is also impaired for recreation due to E. coli bacteria.

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