The Nebraska Water Center’s Spring Water Seminar Series returned in 2026. This series continues the tradition of bringing together researchers, professionals, students and the public to explore today's water issues.
Established in 1968, the series provides a space for the discussion around water management in Nebraska, and a way to increase awareness of groundwater resources. Every year experts present on current water challenges and innovative solutions in water science, policy and management.
Below is a summary of the Spring 2026 seminars, with links to view each presentation.
“From Contamination to Compliance: Understanding PFAS Risk, Regulations, and Remediation Strategies” Nirupam Aich (University of Nebraska - Lincoln)
Watch the seminar: https://youtu.be/DgzgfJIR8mM?si=lSRG64j-lkdWX0du
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present significant risks to the environment and public health because of their persistence and toxicity. This seminar provided an integrated overview of PFAS risks, evolving regulatory frameworks and emerging remediation strategies. Limitations of conventional treatment technologies were highlighted, along with an emphasis on the need for solutions that not only separate PFAS from water but also to enable their destruction or mineralization. This presentation links science, policy and technology to move from PFAS contamination to sustainable water management.
“How to Assess the Efficiency and Equity of Water Quality Policies and Programs: From Ecosystem Services to Environmental Justice” Bonnie Keeler (Minnesota Water Center)
Watch the seminar: https://youtu.be/CbwyM49g9M0?si=T_CW_1t4zXXemN9L
This seminar explored how decision makers can improve their evaluation of water quality policies through efficiency and equity. Using over a decade of interdisciplinary research, this presentation discusses methods for assessing and valuing water quality impacts across communities. Discussed were advantages and disadvantages of different approaches such as ecosystem services valuation, environmental economics, and geospatial analysis, with case studies including nutrient pollution impacts and disparities in environmental exposure.
“Water Management and Community Engagement Across Nebraska: A Natural Resources District Panel”Amanda Grint (Papio-Missouri River NRD), Lyndon Vogt (Central Platte NRD), Mike Murphy (Middle Niobrara NRD)
Watch the seminar: https://youtu.be/-5Y2i290bqo?si=OpY70wWGUOuTT5wW
Nebraska’s Natural Resources District (NRD) system facilitates region-specific water management across the state. Each NRD has different resources to manage and various methods of engaging with their community. In this panel, three NRDs from across the state discussed a selection of their community engagement projects.
“Water 2.0: Building Community Resilience in Nebraska” Steve Owen (City of Lincoln)
Watch the seminar: https://youtu.be/wPALbFhBdXY?si=-rjaHTp2MBSNkBRD
This seminar introduced Lincoln’s Water 2.0 initiative, an effort to secure the community’s long-term water supply. The program includes development of a Missouri River water source, expansion of existing facilities, and new infrastructure to ensure system redundancy. With a target to deliver by 2048, the project is designed to support population growth while strengthening resilience against extreme weather and other disruptions, ensuring that Lincoln can continue to provide safe and reliable water to every household.
“Toxic Chemicals at the Former AltEn Ethanol Plant: Update to the Environmental and Human Health Assessment” Eleanor Rogan (University of Nebraska Medical Center)
Watch the seminar: https://youtu.be/dAENFlWxJN8?si=jFA9vjuxQ-4OV1UI
The AltEn Health Study Group at UNL, UNMC and Creighton University investigated the effects of the pesticide contamination stored at the AltEn ethanol plant near Mead, NE.
Studies examined impacts on water quality, wildlife, and human health. Findings revealed widespread contamination from neonicotinoid insecticides affecting ecosystems and nearby residents. Ongoing research continues to study possible health effects in people living nearby.
“Advancing Nebraska’s Water Management: Updates on Outcomes from the Governor’s Water Quality and Water Quantity Task Force” Jesse Bradley (Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment)
Watch the seminar: https://youtu.be/vBy3WmlovYw?si=qZ6k8uMPT7eJD_2q
This seminar highlighted recent efforts to strengthen Nebraska’s leadership on important water quality and water quantity matters. Following the merger of state agencies into the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, the state has worked to improve coordination across many water management activities. The presentation reviewed the newly organized functions of the merged agency and the near-term activities that are driving implementation of task force recommendations.
“Nitrate and Our Water” Krista Brown (University of Nebraska Medical Center)
Watch the seminar: https://youtu.be/HugXSnusdt0?si=O8XlvQcLyT8HTMZn
Nitrate contamination in drinking water is a growing public health concern as nitrates in fertilizers and animal waste can run off the land and impair local waterbodies. This presentation discussed nitrate in water in Nebraska, associated negative human health effects from drinking contaminated water, and current efforts to address this growing public health concern.
