Water is an essential nutrient. Without it human life cannot survive. Water serves as the body’s transportation system, it is a lubricant, it is vital to the body’s biochemical reactions, it helps defend the body against shock, and it regulates body temperature. Maintaining a healthy water balance is critical.

If you rely on a private drinking water supply, proper drinking water well design and construction is essential. In addition, it is important to protect your drinking water source.

All water from natural sources contains dissolved substances. But drinking water does not need to be pure to be safe. The only way to know if drinking water quality is acceptable is through water testing. Water from a public or municipal supply is tested regularly and must meet federal and state guidelines for quality. Private drinking water testing and quality are not regulated by federal or state guidelines, but local county or city requirements may exist.

Drinking water treatment may be an option for some water quality problems. Using bottled water may be another option. Different regulations apply to bottled water and tap water.

Situations in Nebraska such as tornadoes, floods, and winter storms can reduce or eliminate the availability of safe drinking water. It's a good idea to store an emergency drinking water supply.

Water use and conservation in the home varies, but most people use 70 to 100 gallons per person per day. You can become a more efficient water user by changing some simple practices and selecting efficient appliances and equipment.

Information presented within the drinking water section of this Water Web site has been reviewed by University of Nebraska - Lincoln Drinking Water Team members Bruce Dvorak, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt, David Shelton, Rachael Herpel, and Jan Hygnstrom.