Farmers, acreage owners and even visitors to our state parks depend on outdoor water hydrants (photo) for sources of clean, dependable drinking water for animals, plants and humans.

Did you know that all water from natural sources contains dissolved substances? These substances are often called contaminants, especially when the amounts present are at possibly harmful or problem levels. The substances present in water can result from either natural processes or human activities.

At low concentrations, many contaminants do not cause known harmful effects and may, in fact, be beneficial. Research has shown some substances may be harmful only when present at high enough concentrations.

The only way to know if the water you use contains potentially harmful substances is to have it tested. This testing determines what substances are present and their concentration levels.

Here are some resources to help you learn more about water and water quality:

• Testing Your Drinking Water - University of Nebraska NebGuide

• Understanding Groundwater - University of Nebraska NebGuide

• Drinking Hard Water - University of Nebraska NebGuide

• Effects of Agricultural Runoff on Nebraska's Water Quality - University of Nebraska NebGuide

• Make Every Drop Count in Your Home - University of Nebraska

• Make Every Drop Count on Your Yard - University of Nebraska

• Decommissioning Water Wells: An Owners Guide - University of Nebraska NebGuide

More Resources:

• Water: A Vital Nebraska Resource

• The Waterwheel

• University of Nebraska Water Management Resources & Publication

• University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Program Spotlights

• University of Nebraska School of Natural Resources

This Can You Guess It?? photo appears in the March 2005 Nebline Newsletter.

Did you miss a Can You Guess It?? Find past photos and resources here.

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