Nor have we done the things needed to ensure long-term quality. The challenge is to ensure the continued availability of water, adequate in both quantity and quality, for today's and future needs. It's a worn-out phrase to say that 'water is the lifeblood of the state,' but it is worn out because it is true. We manage water when we slow or halt runoff from rain, store streamflows and pump groundwater. These actions affect water use and conservation and help prevent pollution.
Management also can help prevent and, in some cases clean up, water pollution.
Water quality concerns are now as important to Nebraskans as quantity concerns have been for decades. Urban and rural Nebraskans share the responsibility of wisely managing water. Sharing a resource requires educated citizens and policy makers. Education is the key to understanding water issues.