PFAS in Nebraska

PFAS in Nebraska’s drinking water

Data gathered by the EPA under Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rules (UCMR) and by the NDEE indicate that multiple public water systems in Nebraska have detectable concentrations of various PFAS. In many cases, these findings remain under the EPA’s proposed or final Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). However, some systems exceeded health advisories or MCLs, prompting closer scrutiny and follow-up testing.

Federal standards for six PFAS compounds, announced in April 2024, initially required water systems of all sizes to begin dedicated PFAS sampling by 2027. A subsequent extension to 2031 gave more time to smaller communities. In May 2025, the EPA proposed rolling back the MCLs for four compounds, sparking concern among public health advocates who believe strong regulations are needed. Regulatory back-and-forth can leave residents uncertain about their water quality, making local testing results critical.

Known contamination zones and water systems

Specific zones of contamination in Nebraska often correlate with industrial or military sites. Airports are notable hot spots because of firefighting foam usage. Municipal dumps, refineries, and metal-plating facilities are also on the watchlist. According to NDEE records as of December 2024, roughly 35 of 52 Community Water Systems tested under UCMR5 in Nebraska had results below federal advisory levels, but three systems exceeded at least one PFAS MCL. Sampling data continue to grow, and the state’s official website periodically updates community notices for residents.

NDEE aims to provide free initial testing for cities with a population under 3,300, while the EPA is helping systems that serve up to 10,000. Larger municipal areas must secure their own funding or rely on routine sampling through federal programs. So far, 416 of Nebraska’s 449 Community Water Systems have been tested, with 34 detections above established MCLs.

PFAS sources: AFFF, industrial discharge, waste facilities

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) used in firefighting and training is one of Nebraska’s top PFAS culprits, particularly near airports or military bases. Industries that perform metal plating or produce specialized coatings can also discharge PFAS into local water supplies if process water is not treated before release. Waste facilities pose another risk when PFAS-laden materials degrade in landfills, generating PFAS-contaminated leachate that can seep into groundwater.

During recent site investigations, environmental teams identified multiple facilities with likely PFAS usage, from factories to small municipal fire departments. The state’s geography, with porous soils and relatively shallow groundwater tables in some regions, accelerates chemical migration. Officials said local water systems have been advised to upgrade or consider activated carbon or high-pressure membrane filtration to remove PFAS after detection.

Testing results from Nebraska DEE and the EPA

The NDEE has conducted sampling since at least 2017, when its Nebraska Statewide Perfluorinated Compounds Inventory identified nearly 1,000 facilities that potentially used or produced PFAS. Over the last few years, the department has expanded monitoring of both public and private water sources. In 2022, the EPA proposed designating two PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, as hazardous substances feasible for regulation under CERCLA. This step aims to ensure responsible parties pay for cleanup. Through the UCMR5 process, the EPA tested about 11,000 public water systems nationwide. It found that 12.5% had PFAS exceeding MCLs, often on the east and west coasts, but Nebraska had its share of exceedances as well.

Officials have emphasized that effective detection of PFAS depends on sampling frequency and reliable laboratory techniques. Public water systems that exceed MCLs are required to notify residents. You may see advisories posted on city websites or on utility bills if your area’s drinking water surpasses federal or state guidelines.

PFAS in Nebraska’s soil and agriculture

PFAS in soil is a quieter issue but equally concerning. When these chemicals seep into the ground, they can eventually infiltrate crops and livestock. The long agricultural tradition in Nebraska raises questions about how PFAS might move through irrigation channels or manure-based fertilizers. Although statewide data are still emerging, existing site investigations point to possible hotspots near landfills, airfields, and industrial plants.

Land application of sludge and fertilizers

Many Nebraska farms use biosolids (sewage sludge) or other waste-derived fertilizers to enrich their fields. If those materials contain PFAS, the chemicals can bind with soil or drain into local waterways. Studies from other states have shown that PFAS uptake can occur in plants eventually sold as food. That risk is one reason why the NDEE and other agencies track PFAS usage in factories, landfills, and municipal treatment plants.

NDEE’s sampling approach involves identifying potential sources in a prioritized manner. Sites where wastewater or sludge was historically applied may be inspected for PFAS levels in both soil and groundwater. Meanwhile, new rules proposed by the EPA seek to tighten reporting requirements for PFAS, including small concentrations that previously qualified for exemptions. The goal is to better understand how PFAS-laden waste moves from industrial processes to farmland.

Impact on crops, livestock, and food safety

Early findings suggest that PFAS contamination may affect certain vegetables more readily than others, and repeated exposure over time could accumulate in animal tissues. The concern is not just about contamination itself but also about how these chemicals may affect the health of livestock and, ultimately, humans who consume these products. Some studies link PFAS exposure in animals to reproductive and developmental changes, similar to effects seen in people.

That said, the broader picture is still unfolding. The EPA and USDA have increased their focus on PFAS in the agricultural sector, including guidance about testing soils and protecting water supplies used for irrigation. In Nebraska, I have observed a growing demand for clarity on safe thresholds: farmers want to ensure that their yields remain marketable and safe, while communities want assurances about food quality.

Health effects of PFAS exposure

PFAS have been studied extensively for their toxicity potential. Researchers indicate that certain PFAS may contribute to an array of health problems: elevated cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, and mild immune suppression, for example. A 2020 study by EWG scientists suggested that at least 200 million Americans drink water with PFOA or PFOS at levels of 1 part per trillion or more. Though official thresholds vary by state, federal guidelines have recently tightened.

Potential health issues may not manifest immediately. Some toxicologists believe that PFAS accumulate in a person’s body over years, increasing the likelihood of adverse outcomes. Children, pregnant individuals, and people with compromised immune systems may be more susceptible. Ongoing research indicates that certain illnesses could be linked more definitively to PFAS, which leads us to the diseases of concern in Nebraska.

Diseases linked to PFAS in Nebraska

Because PFAS remain in the environment for so long, investigators are still piecing together specific local impacts. In Nebraska, some residents wonder whether elevated rates of cancers or thyroid problems could be associated with PFAS. Though epidemiological data remain limited, here are some health conditions experts are watching closely.

Kidney and testicular cancer

Links between PFAS and specific types of cancer have emerged in scientific literature. Kidney and testicular cancer are two areas of focus. According to some human studies, higher PFAS exposure may increase the risk of these cancers, though results vary. Nebraska’s public health officials track cancer incidence, but it is often challenging to isolate PFAS as the single cause, given other environmental and lifestyle factors. If your diagnosis falls into these categories and you lived near a known PFAS zone, you may want to explore your legal options.

Thyroid problems and liver damage

Several PFAS, especially PFOA and PFOS, have been implicated in thyroid hormone dysregulation. People with abnormal thyroid function can experience weight changes, fatigue, and other metabolic issues. Similarly, potential liver damage, indicated by elevated liver enzymes, has been reported in individuals exposed to PFAS. The precise mechanisms are not fully understood, but I have seen enough official health advisories to know that medical professionals increasingly test liver and thyroid function when evaluating PFAS exposure.

Developmental and reproductive issues

Concerns about childhood development, low birth weight, and future fertility are also prevalent among PFAS researchers. In some animal studies, PFAS exposure was noted to affect reproductive outcomes. Whether these findings translate directly to humans at the levels found in Nebraska is still under investigation. However, caution is advised. Nebraska-based pediatric and obstetric clinics have startet to incorporate broader exposure assessments for at-risk patients in areas known to have PFAS contamination.

Immune system dysfunction

Scientists are examining whether PFAS might lower vaccine response or impair immune system function. Although the evidence is not conclusive, preliminary data suggest that ongoing high PFAS concentrations in the body can interfere with immune pathways. For people whose jobs involve frequent contact with firefighting foam, contaminated industrial sites, or other high-exposure zones, it is prudent to monitor your immune health and consult medical professionals if you experience recurrent infections or unusual health patterns.

How is Nebraska responding to PFAS contamination?

Nebraska’s response includes regulatory measures, financial assistance for local water systems, and community outreach. State officials have learned lessons from other parts of the country, such as Wisconsin, where stricter water standards led to more consistent testing and mitigation. Below is a detailed look at what is being done, step by step.

DEE oversight and community notices

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy actively coordinates sampling, site investigations, and remediation strategies. After finalizing its PFAS inventory, it assessed airports, industrial facilities, and municipal waste-handling sites. DEE staff often send bulletins to local officials or utility directors when sampling finds high PFAS levels. These notices are meant to alert the public about possible short-term precautions, such as using bottled water for drinking and cooking if MCLs are exceeded.

Enforcement actions can include requiring responsible parties to fund cleanup or water treatment. This might involve installing granular activated carbon filtration or reverse-osmosis technology in affected water systems. Residents who receive public water supply notices can also call DEE or consult local health departments for specific instructions.

Federal support and local initiatives

In February 2023, the EPA announced $2 billion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, targeting emerging contaminants like PFAS. Nebraska receives a portion of those funds, which allows disadvantaged or small communities to apply for grants. By subsidizing water treatment upgrades, the state hopes to reduce the cost burden. There is also a focus on site investigations: once a source is identified, local authorities can measure the extent of contamination and prioritize cleanup actions.

Non-governmental groups are also stepping in. Advocacy organizations offer educational webinars, while some communities hire engineering consultants to propose cost-effective filtration systems. Meanwhile, legal efforts aim to hold chemical manufacturers accountable for historical PFAS pollution, as these corporations had knowledge of the potential hazards for decades.

Public awareness and advocacy groups

I have noticed that more residents are learning about PFAS from news outlets, social media, and local forums. Some advocacy groups organize water-sampling events, inviting families to test private wells. Others share how to interpret complicated lab results. For instance, you might see guidelines about parts per trillion (ppt) levels and which thresholds the EPA and NDEE recommend. The growing awareness makes it easier to push for legislative enhancements or corporate responsibility.

At the same time, community-based lawsuits are emerging. Nebraska residents who suspect serious health problems linked to PFAS are exploring legal claims against those responsible for contamination. This includes water suppliers, manufacturers, or nearby facilities that mismanaged PFAS-containing products.

Can you test your water or soil for PFAS in Nebraska?

If you rely on a public water system, you should receive documented PFAS test results automatically when your community completes required testing. However, if you use a private well or want additional testing, you can arrange sampling through state-certified labs. Contact the NDEE or check its website for a list of recognized facilities offering PFAS analysis.

It is wise to collect samples carefully according to lab instructions, ensuring you do not inadvertently contaminate them. Depending on the results, you may need to install a filtration system or switch to an alternative water source. The NDEE also provides guidance for soil sampling, especially if you suspect prior industrial or firefighting activity near your property.

Do you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit in Nebraska?

People who have experienced illnesses potentially linked to PFAS exposure sometimes qualify for legal action. This is especially true if exposure can be traced to a known PFAS release site. Lawsuits may address wrongful exposure, negligence by industrial facilities, or failure by water providers to meet regulatory standards. I have read about homeowners receiving compensation for medical bills or property-value losses after proving that PFAS contamination originated from a specific polluter.

If PFAS in your drinking water exceeded regulatory guidelines, or if you believe a health condition arises from industrial discharge, you might explore legal channels. Consult a qualified attorney to discuss evidence such as medical records, water test results, or historical permit violations by local facilities. Building a strong case requires thorough documentation of exposure pathways.

For more insights about water contamination cases, visit the PFAS water contamination lawsuit page on the Legal Claim Assistant website.

Why choose Legal Claim Assistant

When facing potential PFAS lawsuits, I want to ensure you work with a team that understands both the scientific and legal side of these matters. Legal Claim Assistant can connect you to experienced legal professionals who have handled PFAS claims across the country. These lawyers typically offer a free case review to see if your situation meets the criteria for a claim.

Legal Claim Assistant also provides information about major chemical company litigation, such as DuPont lawsuits. If DuPont or another corporation produced the PFAS that contributed to contamination in your area, you may see a path toward compensation. Having the right legal guidance helps you understand how to navigate class actions, individual claims, or settlement negotiations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

PFAS science and regulations evolve rapidly, creating confusion for many people. Below, I answer a few common questions about PFAS Nebraska status, based on current data and my own review of state and federal updates.