The Nemaha Natural Resources District (NRD) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 12th, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the District office (62161 US Highway 136, Tecumseh, NE 68450) to receive written and oral testimony concerning the changes to the District's Groundwater Quantity Management Area (GWQMA) Rules and Regulations. The changes to the GWQMA Rules and Regulations will apply geographically to include all lands and water bodies within the boundaries of the Nemaha NRD. Also, the proposed changes will apply stratigraphically to all groundwater located within the District. Upon NRD Board of Directors approval of the proposed changes to the GWQMA, the following changes will be enacted:
1. Definitions Additions, Deletions & Updates
2. Well Spacing - Any well requiring a well permit to pump greater than 50 gallons per minute shall be constructed at least 1,000 feet from any domestic, livestock or “other” type well.
3. Irrigation - Only one irrigation well will be permitted to supply groundwater through one delivery system and will be allowed to irrigate up to 25% of the number of acres within the section the well is to be located.
4. Transfers - The transfer of groundwater will only be allowed for domestic, municipal and remediation purposes.
5. Well Permit Ranking System - The well permit ranking system's well density equations have been updated. Also, the minimum score required for well permit approval will vary depending upon the aquifer region underlying the well permit location.
6. Aquifer Regions - The paleovalley alluvial aquifer has been subdivided into West, East & South regions.
These actions are a general description of the changes to the GWQMA Rules and Regulations. A complete copy of the document may be obtained from the District office or the District's website: www.nemahanrd.org. Those who are unable to appear at the public hearing or with lengthy testimony may wish to submit in writing. For testimony to be considered by the NRD Board of Directors for the purpose of this hearing, such written testimony must be submitted and received by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, at the District office. The NRD Board of Directors will consider all testimony provided and consider whether to adopt or rescind any of the proposed changes to the GWQMA Rules and Regulations at the regularly scheduled Board meeting to be held on Thursday, February 12th, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. For questions contact Chuck Wingert, Water Resources Manager, at (402) 335-3325

Click here for a copy of the proposed changes to the GWQMA Rules and Regulations