Welcome to the Water Quality Section
Contact Us: Telephone: 402-441-6272 ~ Fax: 402-441-3890 ~ TTYNE Relay 7-1-1 ~ Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 M-F
As part of the Environmental Public Health Division, the Water Team protects public and environmental health by:
- Assisting businesses in meeting their NPDES requirements
- Enforcing standards for onsite wastewater systems
- Ensuring safe public swimming pools
- Helping ensure safe water supplies and onsite wastewater systems that are in substantial compliance through property transfer inspections
- Enforcing pool fencing requirements for homes
- Inspecting water wells to assure compliance with appropriate standards
- West Nile Virus Surveillance
Our staff works with individual home owners, contractors, realtors and businesses within Lancaster County to achieve the mission of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department to protect and promote the public’s health.
Please visit our program pages for additional information.
Program Quick Links
Office Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 M-F
Telephone: 402-441-6272
Fax: 402-441-3890
TTYNE Relay 7-1-1
In order to protect public health and the environment, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) assists all businesses within the City of Lincoln in complying with their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Industrial Stormwater Permit with the State of Nebraska.
In addition, LLCHD also investigates complaints regarding “Illicit Discharges and Illicit Connections" to the City of Lincoln’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.
For additional information about the NPDES program or Illicit Discharges contact the Water Quality Program.
Office Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 M-F
Telephone: 402-441-6272
Fax: 402-441-3890
TTYNE Relay 7-1-1
In order to protect public health and the environment, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department inspects all newly constructed or altered onsite wastewater systems. These systems include, but aren’t limited to, standard subsurface septic systems, lagoons and mound systems.
For additional information regarding Onsite Wastewater contact the Water Quality Program.
Office Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 M-F
Telephone: 402-441-8031
Fax: 402-441-3890
TTYNE Relay 7-1-1
To protect public health and the environment all properties with residences served by a private water well or onsite wastewater system must be inspected prior to the sale, transfer or conveyance of the property. Inspections are conducted by private companies that hold an LLCHD issued Property Transfer Inspector permit. The property owner selects and contracts with the licensed Property Transfer Inspector.
For additional information contact the Water Quality Program.
Office Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 M-F
Telephone: 402-441-6272
Fax: 402-441-3890
TTYNE Relay 7-1-1
In order to protect public health, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) inspects all public swimming pools. This includes hotels, apartments, golf courses, municipal pools and recreational facilities. During inspections LLCHD checks water chemistry, safety equipment, personnel training and mechanical areas.
LLCHD requires that all required water chemistry tests be done by either a Lincoln Swimming Pool Operator or a Lincoln Water Quality Tester.
LLCHD also works with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide training to individuals who would like to become pool operators within the state of Nebraska. In addition, LLCHD and DHHS inspect all new public swimming pools that have been constructed.
For additional information contact the Water Quality Program.
Pool Operator Class and Pool Tester Class Schedules and Information
Lincoln Public Swimming Pool Code
Nebraska DHHS Swimming Pool Program
- The State of Nebraska also has its own regulations and also holds swimming pool operator classes. To view their program click on: DHHS Swimming Pool Program
Centers for Disease Control: Healthy Swimming
- Fecal Accident Response: CDC Recommendations
- In 2006 a Nebraska swimming pool was closed down after a child was hospitalized with respiratory affects. If you would like to learn more you can read the 2007 article in MMWR.
- The CDC offer free educational posters for pool operators. You can find them here: CDC Posters
Office Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 M-F
Telephone: 402-441-6272
Fax: 402-441-3890
TTYNE Relay 7-1-1
In order to protect public health within the city of Lincoln, every family swimming pool capable of holding eighteen inches in depth or more of water shall be completely surrounded by a fence or wall no less than four feet in height. If the pool is constructed wholly or partially above ground level, that part of the pool wall which is out of the ground may be included as part of the fencing height requirement. The water team, in conjunction with Safe Kids, informs the public and responds to complaints on residential pool fencing.
To view the entire Lincoln Municipal Code 8.36 on pool fencing click on the following link: LMC 8.36
For additional information or to report inadequate fencing, call the Water Quality Program.
Check out this video on pool fencing, brought to you by Lancaster County Health Department & Safe Kids.
Office Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 M-F
Telephone: 402-441-6272
Fax: 402-441-3890
TTYNE Relay 7-1-1
In order to protect public health, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has been inspecting, testing and permitting water wells within the city limits since the 1930’s. The program was implemented to protect groundwater contamination from a variety of sources including the surrounding wells that may not be constructed and maintained according to standards.
As part of this program, all wells are inspected annually. Water samples are taken to test for coliforms and Nitrates with the results being provided to the homeowners.
For additional information call the Water Quality Program.
Regulations
Jurisdiction Map
- Well permits for construction or repair within the City of Lincoln or its three mile jurisdiction. Please contact the water quality program for clarification or refer to the City of Lincoln Nebraska Planning Department Development map at the following link: Jurisdiction Map
Permit Applications
Education
Additional Resources
Office Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 M-F
Telephone: 402-441-6272
Fax: 402-441-3890
TTYNE Relay 7-1-1
In order to protect public health, the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department performs mosquito surveillance annually. This has resulted in the detection of the West Nile Virus Disease in Lancaster County since the early 2000s.
Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds and pass it on to other birds, animals and people. Mosquitoes feed on human and animal blood or plant juices. Only female mosquitoes bite to get a blood meal to develop eggs.
West Nile Virus and Your Health
Mild cases of West Nile infection may include a slight fever and/or headache. Severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever and head & body aches, and usually occur 5 to 15 days after exposure. There is no specific treatment of viral infections, other than to treat the symptoms and provide supportive care. Those who are at highest risk of becoming seriously ill from West Nile infection are persons who are over the age of 50.
Reducing Risk
Mosquitoes can develop in any standing water that lasts more than 4 days. To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, reduce or eliminate all standing water and debris:
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
- Clear brush from around your home.
- Remove all discarded tires on your property. Used tires are a common breeding site.
- Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
- Clean clogged roof gutters regularly.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Change the water in bird baths several times a week.
- Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
- Drain water from pool covers.
- Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on your property.
- Cover rain barrels properly.
To report any standing water that may be breeding mosquitoes contact the water quality program.
Protecting Yourself
- Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, the times when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time.
- Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
- Consider the use of a mosquito repellent containing DEET (No greater than 30%), oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picaridin when it is necessary to be outdoors.
