Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment

06/12/2026

Batteries placed in the trash and sent to landfills pose not only a risk to the soil and groundwater but can explode and cause fires. For a list of battery drop-off sites in Nebraska, visit: https://batterydropmap.com/battery-recycling-drop-near-me/nebraska/

06/12/2026

Beach Watch update 6/12/26:

Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County is on health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). A health alert has been extended for Rockford Lake in Gage County. Lakes are placed on alert when they sample above 8 parts per billion of microcystin, a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.

When a health alert is issued, signs are posted to advise the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches are closed during the alert. Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but the public is advised to avoid exposure to the water, particularly avoiding any activity that could lead to swallowing the water. Do not let pets get in the water or drink from the lake. People can still use the public areas for camping, picnics and other outdoor activities.

For more information ➡️ https://deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/bw/

06/11/2026

Getting ready to go to the lake? Check our BeachWatch interactive map first! It is updated by Friday each week and shows if any lakes are on health alert for harmful algal blooms. https://bit.ly/43Qgukw

06/10/2026

Planting native flowering plants like milkweed help out our friends the pollinators and also require less water! Win-win!

06/10/2026

Join the Nebraska Floodplain Management Division June 17th for a free, four-hour, virtual class on the fundamentals of floodplain management!
Register now at https://dnr.nebraska.gov/floodplain/training-and-workshops

06/09/2026

Last week was the 50th Annual Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

Our State NFIP Coordinator, Elijah Kaufman, gave a presentation detailing the state's new model floodplain management ordinance and the process that was followed during its creation. Elijah also presented on the new campground outreach project that aims to raise flood risk awareness in floodprone campsites.

06/09/2026

It’s hot outside, but you can keep your home cooler with these energy-saving tips from the U.S. Department of Energy!

06/08/2026

ICYMI – the state’s Republican Basin Planning Group met Nebraska’s 2025 Republican River Compact obligations by the June 1 deadline. DWEE commends the Republican River NRDs for their cooperative management of the basin’s water resources!

Upper Republican NRD | Middle Republican NRD | Lower Republican NRD | Tri-Basin NRD | Department of Water, Energy, and EnvironmentRepublican Basin Planning Group | NebraskaThrough close collaboration with state and federal partners, the Republican Basin Planning Group succes

06/08/2026

Our Water Wells team will be at the Sandhills Ranch Expo in Basset next week! Stop by to see us for free water testing to screen for nitrate. Interested private well owners can bring a cup-sized water sample in a clean container for screening, but no medicine bottles! https://www.sandhillsranchexpo.org/

06/08/2026

June 28th is National Insurance Awareness Day!

As the National Flood Insurance Program coordinating office in Nebraska, the Floodplain Management Division will be providing information on flood insurance throughout the month in an effort to spread awareness of its importance.

Stay tuned for answers to questions, links to resources, and general information regarding this vital resource for Nebraska's property owners. https://dwee.nebraska.gov/floodplain/Flood-Insurance