Safer Environments In Nebraska

Cancer develops when changes in our genes alter how cells function. Some changes occur naturally, while others are caused by environmental factors such as the air we breathe, the water we drink, and contact with harmful substances at home or work. By learning about these risks, you can take protective steps.

Know Your Risk: Radon levels in Nebraska 

Nebraska has some of the highest radon levels in the country. The EPA has classified more than half of Nebraska's 93 counties as high-risk. But radon levels vary from home to home, so the only way to know your risk is to test. 

Get Your Home Tested 

Testing is easy, inexpensive, and the only way to know whether radon is a problem in your home. Nebraska DHHS provides guidance on obtaining test kits, including free or reduced-cost options through local programs. Kits are also available at most hardware stores. Get a Radon Test Kit

Check your county: The Nebraska Radon Dashboard shows average radon levels by county using recent testing data — a helpful starting point for understanding risk in your area. Nebraska Radon Dashboard

Radon levels can vary from home to home. Testing is the best way to understand your exposure. Get a Radon Test Kit today and protect your family from this invisible hazard. 

Reduce Your Risk 

Radon problems are fixable. The EPA recommends taking action if your level is 4 pCi/L or higher. Mitigation systems are effective, relatively affordable, and do not require major changes to your home. Nebraska requires all radon contractors to be licensed; contact Nebraska DHHS to find one near you: (402) 471-1005 or toll-free (888) 242-1100. 

Drinking Water Safety in Nebraska

Access to safe drinking water is a cornerstone of good health. In Nebraska, about 85% of residents rely on groundwater as their primary water source. 

Common Contaminants

The most common contaminant found in Nebraska well water is nitrate, which enters groundwater through fertilizer use, animal waste, and septic systems. Nitrate is colorless, odorless, and tasteless; it cannot be detected without testing. Nitrate contamination is especially concerning for pregnant women, infants, and young children.

Nitrate Levels in Water: Nitrate levels in water can vary over time, so annual testing is important to ensure drinking water remains safe.

Test Your Well Water 

Annual testing for nitrate and bacteria is recommended for all private well owners. Contact a Nebraska-certified laboratory or the Nebraska Public Health Environmental Lab to request a testing kit. Some local Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) also offer testing for private well owners. Ffind your local NRD at nrdnet.org. 

Resources 

Know Your Well Program 
A Nebraska Environmental Trust-funded program through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that tests private wells across the state for nitrate, bacteria, metals, and other contaminants. Well owners receive their results along with guidance on next steps. 

SuWell Community Water Project  
Nebraska residents can test their private well or surface water for free and contribute to a broader understanding of water quality across the state. 

Water, Climate, and Health Program — UNMC College of Public Health  
For questions about water quality and health in Nebraska, contact the UNMC Water, Climate, and Health Program at wchp@unmc.edu