The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has announced that funding will be available for private well owners to install RO systems to address high nitrate levels in drinking water. Information about the program requirements for eligibility can be found at the NDEE office website http://dee.ne.gov/Publica.nsf/pages/22-051. Requirements to complete the application are shown below. 

• The well must be registered with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) which includes a $70 registration fee. 

• A state laboratory water quality test dated no earlier than January 1, 2022. Property owners will be eligible for the reverse osmosis system rebates if the domestic well water nitrate levels exceed 10 ppm. Only the analysis fee is charged if the sample is returned for testing. 

• A cost estimate from a licensed plumber for the reverse osmosis system installation to complete the application. 

Rebates will be provided for up to $4,000 per system and awarded on a combined ranking of need and first come, first-serve basis. For assistance registering your well with NeDNR stop in or call the URNRD office. 

Applications for the program will be accepted from January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, with installation required to be completed by September 30, 2024. Governor Pete Ricketts signed into law LB 1014e Section 51: Reverse Osmosis which gave the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) the responsibility to administer the funds to install reverse osmosis systems programs for villages, cities, and private well owners. A portion of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds awarded to Nebraskans are being used to fund this program.