Well water in Douglas County, Nebraska
In Douglas County, 9% of 140 tested well samples exceeded the EPA limit for uranium (30 ug/L), based on public data from Nebraska Groundwater Quality Clearinghouse and USGS Water Quality Portal.
294 individual samples from 202 wells, 1968 to 2026. Data refreshed September 9, 2026.
What individual samples found
Each row summarizes every public sample for that contaminant inside Douglas County. Above limit means above the EPA maximum contaminant level; where EPA has no enforceable limit, the row shows a health guideline or nuisance level instead.
| Contaminant | Samples | Detected | Above limit | Median | Highest | Limit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium 1997 to 2026 | 140 | 98% | 9% | 3.49 | 110 | 30 ug/L EPA limit | |
| Nitrate 1968 to 2024 | 294 | 83% | 5% | 0.258 | 38.5 | 10 mg/L EPA limit | |
| Arsenic 2008 to 2023 | 11 | 100% | 0% | 4.4 | 5.7 | 10 ug/L EPA limit | |
| Radium (226 + 228) 1992 to 2015 | 11 | 91% | 0% | 0.42 | 0.57 | 5 pCi/L EPA limit | |
| Radon 1992 to 2008 | 15 | 100% | no limit | 310 | 530 | 2,000 pCi/L health guideline |
Sampled fewer than 10 times, too few to summarize: Fluoride (3), Iron (3), Manganese (2), Chloride (1), Sodium (1).
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What this means
The contaminants most often above their limit here are uranium (9% of 140 samples) and nitrate (5% of 294 samples). A well next door can differ sharply from yours because bedrock fractures, well depth and plumbing all matter, so these rates describe the area, not your tap.
Iron, Manganese, and Chloride are widespread in local groundwater. They are mainly a staining and taste problem, but high manganese also carries a health advisory for infants.
What to test for in Douglas County
- Uranium9% of 140 local samples were above the limit.
- Nitrate5% of 294 local samples were above the limit.
- Coliform bacteriaRecommended for every private well, every year.
- RadonMedian local reading is 310 pCi/L.
- FluorideDetected in 100% of local samples.
- IronDetected in 100% of local samples.
- ManganeseDetected in 100% of local samples.
Treatment that fits the local profile
- Uranium
- Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Anion exchange; Whole-house anion exchange
- Nitrate
- Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Anion exchange; Distillation
- Fluoride
- Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Activated alumina; Distillation
- Iron
- Oxidizing filter whole-house; Water softener (low levels); Aeration plus filtration
- Manganese
- Oxidizing filter (greensand, birm) whole-house; Water softener (low levels); Point-of-use reverse osmosis
Get your Douglas County water tested at home
A licensed local water treatment company tests your tap water in your home, walks you through the numbers, and quotes treatment only if something needs fixing. Free, about 30 minutes, no obligation. Tell us what you need and we match you with a company that serves Douglas County.
Common questions
Is there arsenic in well water in Douglas County?
Arsenic was detected in 100% of 11 public well samples in Douglas County, and 0% were above the EPA limit of 10 ug/L. Arsenic has no taste or smell; a lab test is the only way to know your level.
How high is radon in well water in Douglas County?
The median radon level across 15 public samples in Douglas County was 310 pCi/L, with a high of 530 pCi/L. New Hampshire recommends treatment above 2,000 pCi/L.
How often should I test a private well in Douglas County?
Test for bacteria and nitrate every year. Test once for arsenic, uranium, radon, fluoride, manganese and PFAS, then again every three to five years or after any change in taste, color, or plumbing.
Sources
- Nebraska Groundwater Quality Clearinghouse: 280 samples in Douglas County. Groundwater quality results compiled by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, University of Nebraska and Nebraska Department of Agriculture in the Groundwater Quality Clearinghouse, contributed by Natural Resources Districts and state agencies. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- USGS Water Quality Portal: 201 samples in Douglas County. Data from the Water Quality Portal, a service of USGS, EPA and USDA; groundwater samples collected by USGS and cooperators. Retrieved September 3, 2026.
Non-detects count as samples and are treated as zero when computing medians. Exactly at the limit counts as not above it. A sample belongs to the town containing the well's reported coordinates.