Lincoln – Nebraska – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Lincoln Water System (LWS) has been providing safe, reliable water services to approximately 292,000 residents across Nebraska’s capital city and surrounding areas since 1883. As part of the City’s Transportation and Utilities Department, the system encompasses over 1,200 miles of water distribution lines, several pumping stations, and advanced treatment facilities that deliver an average of 34.2 million gallons of drinking water daily to Lincoln residents and businesses.
Lincoln sources its drinking water primarily from wells along the Platte River near Ashland, Nebraska, approximately 20 miles northeast of the city. Approximately half of the supply is groundwater, while the other half is groundwater under the direct influence of surface water. The water is pumped to one of two nearby treatment facilities where it undergoes comprehensive processing to ensure safety and quality. Lincoln’s water consistently meets all federal and state quality standards, though the growing metropolitan area faces ongoing challenges with water conservation, infrastructure modernization, and planning for future needs. The utility has implemented significant investments in water treatment technology, conservation initiatives, and watershed protection to ensure sustainable water supply for future generations, including a major $1.39 billion project to create a second water source from the Missouri River by 2048.
Lincoln Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Comprehensive Monitoring: The Lincoln Water System conducts thousands of water quality tests annually, ensuring compliance with all EPA and Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy regulations for safe drinking water.
- Testing Scope: Lincoln’s water undergoes rigorous testing for over 100 regulated and unregulated contaminants, with monitoring conducted at treatment facilities and throughout the distribution network.
- Compliance Status: Lincoln’s water consistently meets all federal and state drinking water standards, with the utility maintaining an excellent compliance record with regulatory agencies.
Water Sources
- Platte River Wellfields: Primary source located near Ashland, approximately 20 miles northeast of Lincoln, drawing from the Platte River watershed.
- Groundwater Composition: Approximately half of Lincoln’s water supply is pure groundwater, with the other half classified as groundwater under the direct influence of surface water.
- Future Expansion: Plans are underway for a second water source through the “Water 2.0” initiative, which will develop a wellfield along the Missouri River with an underground pipeline to Lincoln by 2048.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Dual Treatment Facilities: Lincoln operates two water treatment plants that employ multi-stage purification processes including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
- Disinfection Protocol: The water system uses chloramine as the primary disinfectant (formed by combining chlorine and ammonia), which provides longer-lasting protection throughout the distribution system.
- Quality Assurance: Advanced monitoring technologies throughout the treatment and distribution system provide real-time data on water quality parameters to ensure safety and reliability.
Infrastructure Modernization
- System Capacity: Current water infrastructure is projected to adequately serve Lincoln for the next 20-25 years, with ongoing investments to maintain and improve reliability.
- Distribution Network: The system includes over 1,200 miles of water mains, multiple storage reservoirs, and pumping stations that deliver water throughout the city.
- “Water 2.0” Project: Lincoln’s landmark $1.39 billion future water source project represents the largest public works initiative in the city’s history, designed to secure water needs until at least 2075.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Lincoln Water System provides extensive customer support through various programs, including water conservation resources and assistance programs for qualifying low-income customers. The utility’s commitment to water quality includes transparent communication through annual water quality reports available to all customers. Lincoln’s comprehensive Water Management Plan outlines measures to keep water use within system capacity and defines procedures for voluntary and mandatory water restrictions when necessary. The utility’s investments in advanced treatment technologies, conservation initiatives, and future water source planning demonstrate its dedication to providing safe, reliable drinking water for generations to come.
Recommendations for Lincoln Residents
Test Your Water
If you have concerns about your water quality, especially in older homes with pre-1986 plumbing, consider getting your water tested. Contact Lincoln Water System at 402-441-7571 or visit lincoln.ne.gov/water for more information about available testing options.
Conserve Water
Follow Lincoln’s Water Management Plan guidelines for outdoor irrigation. Consider installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances in your home. Even small changes like fixing leaks promptly can save thousands of gallons annually and reduce your water bill.
Consider Home Filtration
While Lincoln’s water meets all standards, homes with older plumbing may benefit from NSF-certified filters for drinking and cooking water. Look for filters certified to reduce contaminants of concern for your specific situation.
Follow Irrigation Guidelines
Adhere to Lincoln’s Permanent Conservation Measures, which include irrigation schedules based on your address (odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; even-numbered addresses on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). Avoid outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to minimize evaporation.
Report Issues
Contact Lincoln Water System Customer Service at 402-441-7551 for water main breaks, pressure problems, or quality concerns. Prompt reporting of leaks helps conserve water and maintain system integrity. For after-hours emergencies, call the same number for 24/7 assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Lincoln’s tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The city’s water comes from wells along the Platte River near Ashland, approximately 20 miles northeast of Lincoln, and undergoes comprehensive treatment to ensure safety.
Lincoln Water System conducts thousands of tests annually to monitor water quality. Treatment processes at the water treatment facilities incorporate multiple barriers against contaminants, ensuring safe drinking water. The utility’s commitment to water quality is demonstrated by its continuous monitoring and transparent reporting through annual water quality reports available to all customers.
Why does my water sometimes taste or smell different?
Occasional taste and odor changes can occur due to several factors:
1. Disinfection processes: Lincoln uses chloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) as a disinfectant, which may occasionally be detectable by taste or smell, particularly in hot water
2. Seasonal water quality changes: Natural variations in source water can affect taste, especially during heavy rainfall or drought periods
3. Home plumbing: Internal plumbing issues or infrequently used faucets can sometimes cause taste or odor concerns
If taste or odor issues persist, contact Lincoln Water System at 402-441-7551 for assistance. Often, running cold water for a few minutes after periods of non-use can help improve water quality from your tap.
Is there lead in Lincoln’s water system?
Lincoln Water System complies with all federal and state regulations for lead and copper in drinking water:
• Lead service lines: Lincoln Water System has no known lead service lines in its distribution system, though some older homes may have lead components in their internal plumbing if built before 1986
• Corrosion control: The utility uses industry best practices in water treatment to prevent leaching of lead and copper from plumbing, including corrosion inhibitors and pH optimization
• Testing results: Regular monitoring shows levels well below federal action limits
• Home testing: Residents with concerns about lead, particularly those in older homes, can contact Lincoln Water System for information about testing options
Homes built before 1986 have a higher likelihood of containing lead solder or components in internal plumbing, which is why testing may be recommended for concerned residents in older properties.
Are there water restrictions in Lincoln?
Lincoln currently operates under Permanent Conservation Measures, which are year-round water use guidelines:
Permanent Conservation Measures:
• Irrigation limited to three days per week (odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; even-numbered addresses on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
• No outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to minimize evaporation
• No water waste (runoff onto streets, sidewalks)
Drought Response:
During severe drought conditions, Lincoln Water System may implement additional restrictions including:
• Further limits on outdoor watering
• Restrictions on vehicle washing, pressure washing, and filling of swimming pools
Current status and restrictions are available at lincoln.ne.gov/water or by calling 402-441-7551.
Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when disinfectants like chloramine react with naturally occurring organic matter in water; may be more prevalent during warmer months
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of certain health issues and potentially affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system
Current Levels: Monitored regularly throughout the distribution system with levels maintained below EPA maximum contaminant levels EPA Limits: 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and 60 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5)
Arsenic
Source: Naturally occurring in soil and bedrock in parts of Nebraska; can enter groundwater through natural erosion
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels can potentially increase risk of cancer and affect cardiovascular, pulmonary, immunological, neurological, and endocrine systems
Current Status: Lincoln’s water is in compliance with EPA standards; treatment processes are designed to reduce arsenic levels EPA Limit: 10 parts per billion (ppb) for arsenic in drinking water
Please read – our information
The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.
Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.
We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.
Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
