Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 30 of 68
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
G08-1491 Drinking Water Treatment: Water Softening (Ion Exchange), Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Shirley Niemeyer
G08-1491 Drinking Water Treatment: Water Softening (Ion Exchange), Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Shirley Niemeyer
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
The presence of calcium (Ca) and/or magnesium (Mg) in water results in water being considered "hard." Calcium and magnesium ions in water react with heat, metallic plumbing, and chemical agents such as detergents to decrease the effectiveness of nearly any cleaning task. Hard water can be softened using an ion exchange softening process. This 2008 guide discusses the ion exchange water softening process and related equipment used for household water treatment.
G08-1614 Drinking Water: Certified Water Testing Laboratories In Nebraska, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Wayne Woldt
G08-1614 Drinking Water: Certified Water Testing Laboratories In Nebraska, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Wayne Woldt
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
This 2008 NebGuide explains the certification process water testing laboratories follow, and lists certified government and commercial operated laboratories.
G08-1569 Drinking Water: Uranium, Sharon Skipton
G08-1569 Drinking Water: Uranium, Sharon Skipton
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Naturally occurring uranium has always been present in some drinking water supplies in Nebraska. It became a newly regulated substance in public community drinking water supplies when the Environmental Protection Agency revised the Radionuclides Rule, which took effect in December 2003.
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.
Ec08-1552 Drinking Water: Arsenic, Sharon Skipton
Ec08-1552 Drinking Water: Arsenic, Sharon Skipton
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element present in rocks and soil. Arsenic is the 20th most abundant element in the earth’s crust and often forms compounds by combining with oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur. As water passes through and over soil and rock formations, it dissolves many compounds and minerals including arsenic. The result is that varying amounts of soluble arsenic are present in some water sources. Arsenic chemistry is complex because it has many forms.
This 2008 NebGuide discusses arsenic in public and private drinking water supplies.
G08-1490 Drinking Water Treatment: Reverse Osmosis, Bruce I. Dvorak, Sharon Skipton
G08-1490 Drinking Water Treatment: Reverse Osmosis, Bruce I. Dvorak, Sharon Skipton
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Homeowners can find out more about reverse osmosis (RO) in this 2008 guide, which discusses the principles and process of RO treatment for household drinking water.
G08-1844 Stormwater Management: Pesticide Use In The Lawn And Garden, Clyde Ogg, Erin Bauer
G08-1844 Stormwater Management: Pesticide Use In The Lawn And Garden, Clyde Ogg, Erin Bauer
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
This 2008 NebGuide explains how the proper use and application of lawn and garden pesticides can prevent potential water contamination from stormwater runoff.
Ec08-1488 Drinking Water Treatment: What You Need To Know When Selecting Water Treatment Equipment, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Shirley Niemeyer
Ec08-1488 Drinking Water Treatment: What You Need To Know When Selecting Water Treatment Equipment, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Shirley Niemeyer
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
This 2008 NebGuide explores household water quality and treatment options and can help consumers select a treatment system suited to a particular situation.
G08-1489 Drinking Water Treatment: Activated Carbon Filtration, Bruce I. Dvorak, Sharon Skipton
G08-1489 Drinking Water Treatment: Activated Carbon Filtration, Bruce I. Dvorak, Sharon Skipton
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Activated carbon filtration can effectively reduce certain organic compounds and chlorine in drinking water. It can also reduce the quantity of lead, dissolved radon, and harmless taste- and odor-causing compounds. This 2008 NebGuide discusses the principles, processes, and requirements of activated carbon filtration systems for the domestic (household) user.
G08-1784 Drinking Water: Nitrate-Nitrogen, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt, Bruce I. Dvorak, Ralph Pulte
G08-1784 Drinking Water: Nitrate-Nitrogen, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt, Bruce I. Dvorak, Ralph Pulte
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
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 can help manage risk and are discussed in this 2008 NebGuide.
G07-1704 Chloramines Water Disinfection: Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District And Lincoln Water System, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak
G07-1704 Chloramines Water Disinfection: Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District And Lincoln Water System, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Bacteria and other disease-causing organisms in drinking water can cause intestinal infections, dysentery and a variety of other illnesses. Water disinfection reduces disease-causing organisms and prevents the transmission of disease. This 2007 NebGuide discusses the disinfection process used by the Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District and Lincoln Water System.
Nf05-631 Understanding Watersheds, Thomas G. Franti, Steven R. Tonn
Nf05-631 Understanding Watersheds, Thomas G. Franti, Steven R. Tonn
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Watersheds are dynamic and unique places. They are complex webs of natural resources, — soil, water, air, plants and animals. Together land and water make a watershed a whole system.
This NebFacts covers what a watershed is, how it works, its functions, how human activities can alter watershed functions, and its management.
Drinking Water: Approved Water Testing Laboratories In Nebraska, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Wayne Woldt
Drinking Water: Approved Water Testing Laboratories In Nebraska, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Wayne Woldt
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
This NebFact describes the laboratory approval and certification process for those which test drinking water, lists government and commercial approved laboratories, and includes tips for contacting a water testing laboratory.
Nf05-632 Protecting Your Watershed, Thomas G. Franti, Steven R. Tonn
Nf05-632 Protecting Your Watershed, Thomas G. Franti, Steven R. Tonn
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Everyone lives in a watershed. A watershed is the land area that contributes water to a location, usually a stream, pond, lake or river. Everything we do on the suface of our watershed impacts the water quality of our streams, wetlands, ponds, lakes and rivers. Like organs in a body, every part of the watershed is essential. What happens in one part affects other downstream parts. This NebFacts discusses the threat of pollutions in our watersheds, common runoff pollutants, and best management practices for protecting the watershed.
G03-1512 Establishing Conservation Plantings Of Nut Trees And Shrubs By Direct Seeding Methods, Steven D. Rasmussen, Scott J. Josiah, John Wilson
G03-1512 Establishing Conservation Plantings Of Nut Trees And Shrubs By Direct Seeding Methods, Steven D. Rasmussen, Scott J. Josiah, John Wilson
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
This NebGuide explains how to plant and raise nut trees and shrubs from seed. Seeding methods, planting design, site preparation and post-planting care are discussed.
Conservation tree and shrub plantings create wildlife habitat, improve water quality, produce marketable nuts, and enhance landscape diversity. Usually, nursery-grown seedlings are used to establish these plantings. However, a number of problems exist when using seedlings, including increased costs and reduced initial tree vigor and survival. Direct seeding of tree and shrub seeds avoids many of these problems, and is a proven, effective means to establish conservation plantings in Nebraska and elsewhere.
Nf02-505 Drinking Water: Chloramines Waters Disinfection In Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak
Nf02-505 Drinking Water: Chloramines Waters Disinfection In Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Bacteria and other disease-causing organisms in drinking water can cause intestinal infections, dysentery, and a variety of other illnesses. Water disinfection reduces disease-causing organisms and prevents the transmission of disease. This publication discusses the disinfection process used by Metropolitan Utilities District and how it will change in 2002.
Nf02-507 Manure Testing: What To Request?, Charles A. Shapiro, Charles S. Wortmann, Richard Deloughery
Nf02-507 Manure Testing: What To Request?, Charles A. Shapiro, Charles S. Wortmann, Richard Deloughery
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Manure testing is necessary to make optimum use of manure while protecting water resources. The tests most frequently needed to optimize nutrient management are total and ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, soluble salts, sodium, and dry matter content. This NebFact is a guide to providing information on a Manure Sample Submission Form for reliable interpretation of results.
Drinking Water: Chloramines Water Disinfection In Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak
Drinking Water: Chloramines Water Disinfection In Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Bacteria and other disease-causing organisms in drinking water can cause intestinal infections, dysentery, and a variety of other illnesses. Water disinfection reduces disease-causing organisms and prevents the transmission of disease. This publication discusses the disinfection process used by Metropolitan Utilities District and how it will change in 2002.
Nf01-460 Total Maximum Daily Loads, Tmdls, For Surface Water Pollutants: What They Mean To Nebraska Agriculture, Christopher G. Henry, Thomas G. Franti
Nf01-460 Total Maximum Daily Loads, Tmdls, For Surface Water Pollutants: What They Mean To Nebraska Agriculture, Christopher G. Henry, Thomas G. Franti
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
What is the TMDL Process? A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a written plan specific to a pollutant and a body of water that incorporates water quality monitoring data, exceedence frequency, sample time flow conditions, and the sources that may be contributing to the water quality problem. Its purpose is to identify pollution sources and propose a plan that will help achieve water quality standards for the body of water. The Clean Water Act calls for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to work with state agencies which in turn work with interested parties in an effort to develop TMDLs …
Nf00-429 Controlling Pond Algae With Barley Straw, John C. Holz
Nf00-429 Controlling Pond Algae With Barley Straw, John C. Holz
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Algae are microscopic, free-floating plants which comprise a critical component of a lake's food web. They are fed upon by tiny animals called zooplankton which are an important food source for fish. Algae color the water green or brown, and uncontrolled growth can lead to nuisance surface scums, poor water clarity, noxious odors and an overall reduction in the lake's recreational value. Excessive levels or "blooms" of algae occur when nutrients, especially phosphorus, are abundant. After taking steps to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering a lake, it may be desirable to control the algae growth directly. Typically this is …
G99-1394 Feeding Program: Quality Control Checklist, Rick J. Grant
G99-1394 Feeding Program: Quality Control Checklist, Rick J. Grant
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Use this check list to ensure that your feeding program is effective and profitable.
The following guidelines will help assure that your herd's feeding environment is optimal for maximum feed intake, milk production and cow comfort.
Ec98-746 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska's System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk: Introduction, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
Ec98-746 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska's System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk: Introduction, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Groundwater provides nearly all the water for domestic use in rural Nebraska. It’s essential that the quality of our groundwater, along with that of our surface water resources, be protected. It is especially important to protect the drinking water supply on any homesites where a private domestic well is used. The risk to water quality of various activities at homesites and on surrounding lands varies. Identifying high-risk activities can help determine where to use limited financial and management resources. By increasing knowledge and using careful management, you can greatly reduce the risk of water contamination, often with little or no …
Ec98-771 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 8: Improving Household Wastewater Treatment, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
Ec98-771 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 8: Improving Household Wastewater Treatment, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
A properly installed and maintained system for treating and disposing of household wastewater will minimize the impact of that system on groundwater and surfacewater. State and local codes specify how wastewater systems must be designed, installed, and maintained. For example, Title 124 regulates the design, operation, and maintenance of septic tank systems in Nebraska. In addition, federal and state regulations guide the stabilization and land application of wastewater septage.
Ec98-792 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 16: Improving Crop Pesticide Application Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
Ec98-792 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 16: Improving Crop Pesticide Application Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Though pesticides are especially harmful to the target pest, they are also potentially harmful to most living and breathing creatures and non-target plant life. Proper handling and application management of pesticides are important to protect you and to protect surface and groundwater from contamination. Pesticides were first found in groundwater in the 1970s. Prior to that, the general belief was that pesticides did not leach into the groundwater with normal use.
Ec98-750 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 12: Silage Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
Ec98-750 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 12: Silage Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Why should I be concerned? Silage is an important feed for livestock-based agriculture. When properly harvested and stored, silage poses little or no pollution threat, but improper handling can lead to a significant flow of silage juices (or leachate) from the silo. Leachate is an organic liquid that results from pressure in the silo or from extra water entering the silo. It is usually a problem only when silage is fresh, or just after storage. This loss of leachate represents a loss of nutrient value from the silage.
Ec98-748 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 2: Site Evaluation, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
Ec98-748 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 2: Site Evaluation, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Why is the site evaluation important? The effect of farm, ranch or homesite practices on groundwater depends in part on the physical characteristics of your site: soil type, subsurface characteristics and depth to groundwater. That’s why evaluating the soils and geologic characteristics of your site is such an important step in protecting the groundwater you drink. This evaluation focuses primarily on the farmstead or homesite and risk to groundwater, but, to a limited extent, also addresses surface water. The worksheet can be applied to land beyond the farmstead or homesite, but the variation in soils and geologic materials would have …
Ec98-754 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 7: Hazardous Materials And Waste Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
Ec98-754 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 7: Hazardous Materials And Waste Management, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Why should I be concerned? Consider the variety of products commonly used in households, on acreages and on farms: paints, solvents, oils, cleaners, wood preservatives, batteries, adhesives, and pesticides. Also consider the amount of these products which goes unused or is thrown away. Some common disposal practices can create an unsafe environment around the home and may contaminate groundwater. Additionally, many of these common disposal practices violate Nebraska law.
Ec98-752 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 9: Livestock Manure Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
Ec98-752 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Risk Worksheet 9: Livestock Manure Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Why should I be concerned? Accumulating manure in storage incurs certain risks to the environment and to human and animal health unless appropriate precautions are taken.Manure can contribute nutrients and disease-causing organisms to both surface water and groundwater.
Ec98-766 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 3: Drinking Water Well Condition, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
Ec98-766 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Worksheet 3: Drinking Water Well Condition, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Why should I be concerned? Essentially all of Nebraska’s rural residents use groundwater to supply their drinking water and farm needs. Wells should provide clean water. If wells are improperly constructed or maintained, however, they can allow bacteria, pesticides, fertilizer, oil products, or other pollutants to contaminate groundwater. These contaminants can put family, pets and livestock health at risk.
Ec98-762 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 6: Improving Petroleum Product Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
Ec98-762 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 6: Improving Petroleum Product Storage, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
Petroleum product storage is an area of great concern for groundwater safety. It’s not uncommon for fuel to leak into aquifers and pollute the drinking water of a family or even a community, and it can be very costly for the landowner. Petroleum product storage is regulated by laws regarding fire safety and air quality as well. Therefore, petroleum product storage must be evaluated from various perspectives. This factsheet examines some important aspects of petroleum product storage: where the tank is located on your property, the type of tank, how to monitor the tank, reduction of losses from aboveground tanks, …
Ec98-767 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 4: Improving Pesticide Storage And Handling, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
Ec98-767 Farm*A*Syst Nebraska’S System For Assessing Water Contamination Fact Sheet 4: Improving Pesticide Storage And Handling, Robert Grisso, Delynn Hay, Paul J. Jasa, Richard K. Koelsch, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials
We’ll look at five areas of pesticide management on your farm: 1. pesticide storage practices 2. mixing and loading practices 3. spill cleanup 4. container disposal practices 5. other management practices When handling pesticides, wear proper protective clothing and equipment at all times. See the pesticide label for details.