Well Water Quality Training Now Available to Students in 100 Nebraska Schools

Jun 26, 2023

Approximately 43 million Americans—about 15% of the population—collect their drinking water from private wells, according to a 2019 U.S. geological survey.

To educate the next generation on the value of testing well water, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) kickstarted the Know Your Well Project, which allows students to learn to test for many well water particles, including: • Nitrates• Nitrites• Metals• Pesticides • Coliform bacteria

When the program was first announced in 2022, UNL anticipated the training would reach students attending 50 high schools and 300 private wells. However, the program looks to cast a wider net following a grant it received from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

EPA announced Monday it will dedicate $100,000 to UNL’s Know Your Well Project, effectively doubling the program’s reach to 100 schools. Rachael Herpel, Nebraska Water Center assistant director, says the funding will reach many educators.

“This [funding] will help us build capacity and eventually expand the program beyond Nebraska,” Herpel says.

EPA’s funding stems from $3.1 million the agency reserved for Environmental Education Grants. Nationwide, organizations in 27 other states will be offered between $50,000 and $100,000 for environmental education activities and programs through the grants, according to Michael Regan, EPA administrator.

“This year’s grant recipients represent some of the brightest minds from across the country, and they demonstrate what it means to couple the power of environmental education with a commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all,” Regan said.