By Scout Nelson
The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Water, Climate and Health Program works with the University of Nebraska Extension to raise awareness about water quality and its effects on human health and agriculture. Last month, the teams joined Husker Harvest Days to speak with farmers, rural families, and other Nebraska residents about the importance of safe water.
The event provided an opportunity to discuss how water quality affects families, farm animals, and agricultural activities. Taylor Dahl, communications and community outreach specialist with the Water, Climate and Health Program, attended the event with Becky Schuerman, statewide extension associate for domestic water and wastewater management with Nebraska Extension. They shared information about checking local water quality and using treatment methods when needed.
Private wells are an important source of drinking water for many rural households. However, private well owners are responsible for checking their water because state and federal rules do not require regular water quality testing for these wells. Testing helps people understand whether their water contains substances that may affect their health.
“There are no state or federal regulations that mandate water quality testing of private wells. It is up to all who rely on private wells to get in the habit of testing their well water annually for nitrate, coliform, and any contaminants of local concern,” Schuerman said.
Nitrate and coliform are important concerns when testing private well water. High nitrate levels can pose health risks, while coliform bacteria may indicate possible problems with water quality. Testing for these and other contaminants of local concern helps well owners decide whether treatment or further testing is needed.
Water quality is also important for agriculture because farms depend on water for people, livestock, and daily operations. Poor water quality may affect animal health and create challenges for farm families. Understanding local water conditions allows farmers and rural residents to take steps to reduce risks and protect their water supplies.
“Water quality is one of those issues that really brings public health and agriculture together,” she said. “The work we do through Extension gives us an opportunity to connect research and resources with people in communities and on farms, while helping them understand how water quality can affect both their operations and their families and operations.”
The partnership with the Water, Climate and Health Program gives Nebraska Extension another way to connect research with the needs of rural communities. By working together, the teams can share useful information with people who face water quality concerns in their homes, communities, and farm operations.
“We have a tremendous opportunity across the University of Nebraska to bring together expertise in agriculture, water and public health,” said Jesse Bell, PhD, director of the program. “Working alongside Nebraska Extension helps us take what we’re learning through research and connect it with the people and communities who are experiencing these issues firsthand.”
Dr. Bell said continued cooperation between the groups will help identify new opportunities for research, education, and community engagement. Conversations with farmers and other agricultural partners help researchers understand the questions and concerns that matter most to Nebraska residents.
The Water, Climate and Health Program is a joint effort involving the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The program focuses on drinking water quality, climate, and health through research, education, and community engagement.
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Categories: Nebraska, Rural Lifestyle