CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Carla Prange Felix, DWEE, [email protected], 402-471-4223

Gov. Pillen Receives Water Quality & Quantity Task Force Report

LINCOLN, NE -- An initiative launched by Governor Jim Pillen aimed at protecting and preserving Nebraska's vital water resources, met a milestone today. In March of last year, Gov. Pillen kicked off the first executive-level meeting of the state's Water Quality and Quantity Task Force, a group consisting of members representing industries, businesses and other relevant expertise. At today's meeting, the Task Force presented the Governor with a report outlining key recommendations to protect and strengthen Nebraska's water resources statewide.

"We are the envy of the nation because of our water resources, and we must do everything possible to protect and enhance those resources. The approach we are taking is through innovation and education, not more regulation," said Gov. Pillen.

"I appreciate the efforts of the Task Force, and I believe that these recommendations will ensure Nebraska's water supply remains strong for generations to come," he added.

Upon announcing the Task Force in the spring of 2025, Gov. Pillen charged its members with providing actionable recommendations to improve water quality, with an emphasis on reducing nitrate levels in groundwater, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the State's water resources.

The Task Force is made up of 20 individuals from across Nebraska. Members attended four full Task Force meetings between June 2025 and March 2026, and organized them into four subcommittees, which met monthly: Methods and Resources, Nitrate Legacy and Drinking Water Access, Water Conservation and Quantity, and Financing and Incentives.

The Task Force recommended 14 goals, which prioritize innovation and education to protect water quality and quantity while supporting Nebraska's agricultural productivity and economic vitality. Each goal includes action items and metrics to track success. Those goals are:

1. Expand water measurement across the State for groundwater and surface water

2. Develop strategies to support large water users and continued economic growth in the State

3. Expand water storage opportunities and management of water consumption

4. Ensure nitrogen fertilizer recommendations are agronomically, economically, and environmentally appropriate for Nebraska producers

5. Incentivize producers to increase the percentage of nitrogen applied in season versus out of season to improve overall nitrogen use efficiency

6. Increase adoption of sensor- and model-based nitrogen recommendation technology

7. Increase adoption of soil health practices which will allow producers to increase nutrient cycling and reduce overall nitrogen application rates over time. Improved soil health will also maximize water infiltration and crop utilization while minimizing runoff

8. Support Nebraska producers by providing education on nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation best management practices to reduce nitrate leaching and to protect groundwater resources

9. Develop consistent education, marketing, and outreach materials related to water quality, quantity, and public health for use across the State

10. Provide support and resources to public and private drinking water well owners to ensure safe and reliable drinking water for Nebraskans

11. Expand rural water systems and regionalization of water systems

12. Establish a centralized clearing house to inventory and prioritize water quality and quantity projects across Nebraska

13. Identify and implement sustainable, diversified funding models to support the development, implementation, and maintenance of priority water projects in Nebraska

14. Recommend funding priorities for the ONE RED implementation grant and potential funding sources

Jesse Bradley, Director of the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment and a member of the Task Force said, "I greatly appreciate the governor's leadership in establishing the Task Force last year. The goals and actions that have been developed through this effort will serve to sharpen our focus on these important water quality and quantity outcomes and we are excited to get to work on implementation."

In addition to the Task Force's recommendations, the final report also includes a review of existing water management authorities and programs, as well as appendices with meeting information. The full report is housed on DWEE's website: Full Task Force PDF Report 3.25.2026