University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Extension Publications

Know how. Know now.

Keywords: water treatment

Drinking Water: Arsenic, G1552
This publication discusses arsenic in public and private drinking water supplies.

An Introduction to Drinking Water, G1539
Drinking water quality is a common concern among people today. This publication serves as an introductory reference on drinking water protection, quality and treatment.

Drinking Water: Sulfur (Sulfate and Hydrogen Sulfide), G1275
Two forms of sulfur are common in drinking water supplies. Neither usually create a health risk, and with proper testing and treatment will not be a nuisance.

Drinking Water: Fluoride, G1376
At optimal levels, fluoride in drinking water can be beneficial to dental health. Learn more about fluoride concentration and potential health effects.

Residential On-site Wastewater Treatment: Lagoon Maintenance, G1423
Discusses recommended practices for the operation and management of residential on-site lagoon wastewater treatment systems.

Drinking Water: Testing for Quality, G907
All water contains dissolved substances, and at high concentrations some may be harmful. Having a water sample tested at an approved laboratory helps ensure that drinking water is safe.

Residential On-site Wastewater Treatment: Septic Tank and Drainfield Maintenance, G1424
Discusses recommended practices for the operation and management of residential on-site septic systems for wastewater treatment.

Residential On-site Wastewater Treatment: Lagoon Design and Construction, G1441
Discusses recommended practices for the design and construction of lagoon systems for treatment of residential wastewater.

Residential On-site Wastewater Treatment: The Role of Soil, G1468
Discusses how soil can affect onsite wastewater treatment systems.

Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Site Evaluation, G1469
Discusses evaluation of a site to determine the type and size of treatment system best suited to it. Explains why the wastewater treatment plans should be finalized before house and well placement.

Residential On-site Wastewater Treatment: Conducting a Soil Percolation Test, G1472
Discusses the importance of and recommended methods for conducting a soil percolation test.

Residential On-site Wastewater Treatment: Septic Tank Design and Installation, G1473
Describes types of septic tanks, selecting the correct tank size, placement and installation.

Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Constructed Wetlands for Effluent Treatment, G1474
Recommended practices for the design and installation of a constructed wetland as part of a residential onsite wastewater treatment system.

Residential On-site Wastewater Treatment: Mounds for Effluent Treatment, G1475
A mound wastewater treatment system may be right for lots that have slowly permeable soils, sandy soils, or a high water table. Learn the advantages, disadvantages and maintenance considerations of a mound system.

Residential On-site Wastewater Treatment: Traditional Drainfield Systems for Effluent Treatment, G1479
Discusses recommended practices for the design and installation of traditional residential on-site effluent treatment systems.

Drinking Water Treatment: Shock Chlorination, G1761
Protecting private water supplies from bacterial contamination is critical to assuring good water quality. Shock chlorination can eliminate coliform, fecal and/or E. coli contaminants from water systems.

Residential On-site Wastewater Treatment: Gravelless Drainfield Systems for Effluent Treatment, G1480
Discusses recommended practices for the design and installation of residential onsite gravelless effluent treatment systems.

Drinking Water Treatment: What You Need to Know When Selecting Water Treatment Equipment, G1488
This guide explores household water quality and treatment options and can help consumers select a treatment system suited to a particular situation.

Drinking Water Treatment: Activated Carbon Filtration, G1489
Activated carbon filtration can reduce certain organic compounds, chlorine, lead, dissolved radon, and other compounds in drinking water. Learn about the processes and requirements of this system.

Drinking Water Treatment: Water Softening (Ion Exchange), G1491
Calcium (Ca) and/or magnesium (Mg) in water can result in "hard water." This guide discusses the ion exchange water softening process and related equipment used for household water treatment.

Drinking Water Treatment: Sediment Filtration, G1492
Sediment filters are used to remove suspended matter such as sand, silt, loose scale, clay or organic material from the water.

Drinking Water Treatment: Distillation, G1493
Distillation is an effective method for reducing many impurities found in drinking water. This guide discusses the process and equipment used for household drinking water treatment by distillation.

Drinking Water Treatment: Emergency Procedures, G1494
When home drinking water supplies are interrupted, emergency or short-term treatment may be required. This NebGuide covers finding alternative sources of drinking water and treating contaminated water.

Drinking Water Treatment: Continuous Chlorination, G1496
Continuous chlorination can be an effective method to use to disinfect drinking water.

Drinking Water Treatment: An Overview, EC703
An overview of household water problems, causes, potential health effects and practical drinking water treatment methods.

Chloramines Water Disinfection: Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District and Lincoln Water System, G1704
Bacteria and other disease-causing organisms in drinking water can cause a variety of illnesses. This NebGuide discusses the disinfection process used by the Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District and Lincoln Water System.

Drinking Water: Nitrate-Nitrogen, G1784
Nitrate-nitrogen is sometimes present in drinking water. At certain levels it can present a health risk. Properly locating and constructing wells, along with regularly testing water can help manage risk.

Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems: An Operation and Maintenance Service Provider Program, MWPSCIDWT
From the Midwest Plan Service, this manual was developed by the Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment (CIDWT), with partial funding by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Water Environmental Research Foundation (WERF), and features an up-to-date introduction to residential wastewater issues, complete descriptions, step-by-step instructions, definitions of terms, and reviews of mathematical processes.

Drinking Water Treatment: Reverse Osmosis, G1490
Homeowners can find out more about reverse osmosis in this guide, which discusses the principles and practices of RO treatment for household drinking water.

10 Easy Ways to Boost Profit $20/Acre, EC196
A compilation of 22 fact sheets, each of which describes how a change in farming practice can increase profits by a minimum of $2 per practice. Topics range from management strategies for inputs and pests to tillage and irrigation.

Agricultural Nitrogen Management for Water Quality Protection in the Midwest: a Heartland Regional Water Coordination Publication, RP189
An overview of factors influencing nitrogen loss to ground and surface waters in the four-state Heartland region of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, including nitrogen in the environment and the implications of agricultural nitrogen management practices for nitrogen loss to ground and surface water.

CNMP Core Curriculum, MWPSCNMP
From the Midwest Plan Service, this two CD-ROM set includes topics on conservation planning and biosecurity, land treatment practices, manure and wastewater storage and handling, nutrient management, feed management, record keeping, air quality, alternative treatment and utilization, and TSP certification.

Drinking Water: Bacteria, G1826
Bacteria in drinking water can endanger health. Learn how contamination occurs, how to have water tested, and which treatment to use. Viruses or other microbial organisms are not addressed.

Drinking Water: Hard Water, G1274
Water described as "hard" contains high amounts of dissolved calcium and magnesium. Learn how to have water tested, interpret the results and choose a treatment option.

Drinking Water: Iron and Manganese, G1714
Common water contaminants iron and manganese are not health hazards but can cause offensive taste, appearance and staining. Testing and treatment options are available for public and private water supplies.

Drinking Water: Uranium, G1569
Uranium occurs naturally in soil and rocks. It can enter groundwater and contaminate drinking water, which, over time, can harm health. Learn what testing and treatment options are available.

Methamphetamine: One of America's Greatest Challenges, Part 1, G1748
This publication examines the horrors of methamphetamine and its use.

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports 1996-2010, MP100
Table of contents that links to annual Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports from 1996 to 2010 and annual report summaries for 2001 to 2010.

Nebraska Swine Reports 1995-2009, EC219
Links to Annual Reports and respective Tables of Content of swine research from 1995 to 2009.

Noxious Weeds of Nebraska: Saltcedar, EC164
Biology, identification, distribution and control of saltcedar, including an illustrated life cycle and photos to aid in plant and pest identification. This is one of seven noxious weeds for which Nebraska law mandates control. This publication is available online or printed copies are available free from local Extension offices.

Stinging Wasps and Bees, G1447
This NebGuide contains information on identifying and managing stinging wasps and bees as well as the symptoms and treatment of stings.

White Grubs in Turf, G1619
White grubs are destructive lawn pests that destroy the roots of turf. If detected early, the pests can be controlled and damage prevented.