What this tracks
This dataset identifies areas in Nebraska with statistically significant high or low nitrate concentrations in groundwater based on water quality tests from 2003-2019.
Why it matters to you
If you rely on well water in Nebraska, this data tells you whether your area has historically had unsafe nitrate levels — critical for families making decisions about water filtration or testing. Farmers can use it to assess whether their land falls in a high-nitrate zone when planning crop rotations or fertilizer use. The 2023-2024 study found some areas with nitrate levels exceeding the EPA’s 10 ppm safety limit.
How to read this data
NitrateConcentrationPPM — The nitrate level in parts per million (sample: 2.0 ppm). EPA considers above 10 ppm unsafe for drinking.
HotOrCold — Whether the area is a statistically significant hotspot (1), coldspot (-1), or neutral (0). A hotspot means consistently higher nitrate levels than surrounding areas.
GiProbability — The statistical confidence in the hotspot classification (sample: 0.128). Lower values indicate stronger evidence.
Try it yourself
Check Nebraska’s Groundwater Quality Viewer to see if your well falls in a nitrate hotspot using the 2003-2019 data.