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Nebraska Water Science Center

The Nebraska Water Science Center provides reliable, impartial, foundational data and scientific analysis to address water issues facing Nebraska today. We conduct hydrologic monitoring and investigative studies in partnership with Federal, State, and local agencies to assist them in understanding and managing Nebraska’s water resources.

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Water-quality sampling on the Dismal River near Thedford, Nebr.

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Publications

Selected anthropogenic contaminants in groundwater, Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, eastern Nebraska, 1992–2020

A study in cooperation with the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District was completed in 2019 to determine the concentration of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in groundwater in the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, eastern Nebraska. Each well was sampled twice (in June and October or November) in 2019, totaling 34 samples. Samples were analyzed for 132 CECs, which in
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Water Resources Mission Area, Nebraska Water Science Center

Simulation of monthly mean and monthly base flow of streamflow using random forests for the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain, 1901 to 2018

Improved simulations of streamflow and base flow for selected sites within and adjacent to the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain area are important for modeling groundwater flow because surface-water flows have a substantial effect on groundwater levels. One method for simulating streamflow and base flow, random forest (RF) models, was developed from the data at gaged sites and, in turn, was used t
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Nebraska Water Science Center

Water-level and recoverable water in storage changes, High Plains aquifer, predevelopment to 2017 and 2015–17

The High Plains aquifer underlies 111.8 million acres (about 175,000 square miles) in parts of eight States—Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Water-level declines began in parts of the High Plains aquifer soon after the beginning of substantial groundwater irrigation (about 1950). This report presents water-level changes and change in recoverable w
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Nebraska Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
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Science

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South_loup_gage

Assessing drought resilience of the South Loup River using age tracer, streamflow, and continuous water-quality data

Streams in the Loup River basin have a close hydrologic connection between groundwater and surface water. Groundwater springs are important hydrologic features that sustain the flow of the South Loup River. This study assesses the ability of these springs to maintain consistent flow of the South Loup River over periods of prolonged drought.
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Nebraska Water Science Center
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Assessing drought resilience of the South Loup River using age tracer, streamflow, and continuous water-quality data

Streams in the Loup River basin have a close hydrologic connection between groundwater and surface water. Groundwater springs are important hydrologic features that sustain the flow of the South Loup River. This study assesses the ability of these springs to maintain consistent flow of the South Loup River over periods of prolonged drought.
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Eastern Nebraska artesian well

Groundwater Quality and Age of Secondary Bedrock Aquifers, Eastern Nebraska

The Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA) project was initiated in 2006 to assist water managers by developing a hydrogeologic framework and water budget for the glaciated portion of eastern Nebraska. Within the ENWRA area, the primary groundwater sources for municipal, domestic, and irrigation water needs are provided by withdrawals from alluvial, buried paleovalley, and the High...
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Nebraska Water Science Center
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Groundwater Quality and Age of Secondary Bedrock Aquifers, Eastern Nebraska

The Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA) project was initiated in 2006 to assist water managers by developing a hydrogeologic framework and water budget for the glaciated portion of eastern Nebraska. Within the ENWRA area, the primary groundwater sources for municipal, domestic, and irrigation water needs are provided by withdrawals from alluvial, buried paleovalley, and the High...
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Bazile_geocloud_map

Interpretation of hydrogeological data in Bazile Groundwater Management Area: A case demonstration of the Nebraska Geocloud

Nitrate, age tracer, and continuous groundwater-level data within the BGMA were interpreted in conjunction with AEM data as a case demonstration of the Nebraska Geocloud. The Nebraska Geocloud was initiated to protect taxpayer investments in AEM data collection and realize maximum benefit of these data by creating a publicly available, online digital database for long-term data storage. The Lower...
By
Nebraska Water Science Center
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Interpretation of hydrogeological data in Bazile Groundwater Management Area: A case demonstration of the Nebraska Geocloud

Nitrate, age tracer, and continuous groundwater-level data within the BGMA were interpreted in conjunction with AEM data as a case demonstration of the Nebraska Geocloud. The Nebraska Geocloud was initiated to protect taxpayer investments in AEM data collection and realize maximum benefit of these data by creating a publicly available, online digital database for long-term data storage. The Lower...
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