Farmers and ranchers need to think about water quality as they return to their operations with the flood waters receding. Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman says if flood waters have gone over the well head then that well’s water should be tested.
She says flood waters commonly contain high levels of bacteria which can get into that well water.
Timmerman says when testing that well water, make sure a sterile bottle is used and don’t put the bottle under the water immediately but run the water for at least five minutes before filling the bottle up.
Tests can be sent to local NRD offices or to University of Nebraska Extension offices., or to Certified Water Testing Laboratories. Those labs are located in McCook, Grand Island, Scottsbluff or Omaha.
