GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska – The Grand Island Groundwater Guardian Team’s Outdoor Learning Area at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds has taken a significant step towards expanding its educational and environmental impact with the installation of a new monitoring well, generously provided by the Nebraska Well Drillers Association. This exciting development, made possible through the collaboration of the Grand Island Groundwater Guardian Team and the Central Platte Natural Resources District (Central Platte NRD), promises to bring year-round groundwater awareness to the community.

“I'd like to thank the Nebraska Well Drillers for selecting this site for a monitoring well,” said Central Platte NRD Chairman Mick Reynolds. “The Central Platte NRD is committed to safeguarding this valuable educational tool for the community, reinforcing its dedication to environmental conservation and public awareness.”

The monitoring well installation event, which took place on Oct. 3, 2023, was a celebration of community and environmental stewardship. Tom Downey of Downey Drilling, showcased his cutting-edge Versa-V-140X drill rig capabilities, enlightening attendees about the meticulous practices and procedures involved in constructing a water well.

The public was invited to witness this demonstration firsthand during Downey's well-driller training session, which provided valuable education for well drillers. The highlight of the day was the ribbon-cutting dedication ceremony held at 3 p.m., which included key figures from the project, such as Lee Orton, Executive Director of the Nebraska Well Drillers Association; members of the Grand Island Groundwater Guardian Team; and Cindy Johnson, President of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce.

The Central Platte NRD has ambitious plans for the newly installed monitoring well. The well will be equipped with a monitoring system, enabling the public to access groundwater levels year-round, fostering a deeper understanding of this critical resource. Additionally, the well will be regularly sampled furthering water quality education and contributing to environmental protection efforts.

This well will be added to Central Platte NRD’s Groundwater Management Program, which includes 116 active monitoring wells from Gothenburg to Columbus that are measured along with 500 irrigation wells annually.

For additional information, contact the Central Platte NRD at 308.385.6282 or visit cpnrd.org.