By Scout Nelson
The Nebraska Water Center has announced the 2026 Nebraska Water Conference, which will take place October 15-16 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s East Campus Union. The conference focuses on the current state of water in Nebraska and brings together state agencies, natural resources districts, cities, researchers, and private sector representatives.
The event provides a place for participants to learn about current water issues and efforts across the state. Speakers and sessions cover different areas of water use and management, with a focus on information that can help communities, farmers, researchers, and other water users.
A draft agenda is available for people who want to learn more about the planned sessions. Some sessions are still waiting for approval for continuing education credit hours.
View the 2026 Nebraska Water Conference draft agenda
The conference is supported by several organizations. Sponsors include the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Agricultural Research Division, HDR, Central Platte Natural Resources District, Nebraska Corn Board, and UNMC’s Water, Climate and Health Program.
Registration is open for the 2026 Nebraska Water Conference. The registration fee includes access to all conference sessions and meals. It also includes campus parking and the Thursday evening reception. For registration, click here.
Regular registration costs $375. Faculty members can register for $150, while students can register for $50. Registration remains open through September 30, 2026.
The conference also gives undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to share their research through a student poster competition. The competition will take place on October 15 and is open to research related to several water topics.
Researchers are encouraged to submit posters that fit one of the conference themes. These themes include groundwater quality and management, water use in agriculture, urban water planning, emerging contaminants, water use in data centers, and education and outreach.
Participants present their posters to a panel of judges and conference attendees. Judges select the top posters for monetary prizes.
The first-place winner receives $500. Second place receives $300, while third place receives $200. Fourth- and fifth-place winners each receive $100.
The poster competition gives students a chance to explain their research, connect with water professionals, and share ideas about important water topics. It also helps bring student research into discussions about Nebraska’s water needs.
View the student poster competition announcement
View the student poster competition rules
The conference covers water topics that affect agriculture, communities, research, and future planning. Water use in agriculture is especially important because Nebraska farmers depend on reliable water supplies for crop production. Groundwater quality and management are also key topics for the state.
Other sessions look at urban water planning, new contaminants, water use by data centers, and ways to improve education and public outreach. These topics show how water needs can change as communities, industries, and technology develop.
The 2026 Nebraska Water Conference provides a central place for people from different fields to exchange information and learn about current water work in Nebraska. Students, researchers, producers, government representatives, and other interested participants can use the event to build knowledge and discuss future water needs.
Photo Credit: pixabay-klawson
Categories: Nebraska, General