Sampling Requirements & Allowances

Soil & Water Sampling Requirements

The Nebraska Legislature has stated that the level of nitrogen in groundwater is increasing. They have also determined that Natural Resource Districts have the legal authority to regulate certain activities that may contribute to groundwater contamination.
The requirements for Nitrogen Management for the District have been modified.
The new rules require all land served by a ground water well or a surface water right to have annual soil samples taken.

  • Annual water samples are also required to be taken on lands irrigated with groundwater.
  • These soil and water samples must be provided to the district annually starting in Water Year 2026.
  • Allowances may apply but required acknowledgement forms must be submitted on time.

 

Ground Water Sampling Program

This policy statement, adopted by the Board of Directors of the North Platte Natural Resources District (NRD), supplements the District’s Rules and Regulations and establishes procedures for collecting and analyzing groundwater samples from each irrigation well or the final point of distribution for a series of wells.

District Groundwater Sampling Program

The District offers an annual groundwater sampling program (the “Program”) to eligible groundwater-only or commingled irrigation landowners and operators who have certified acres within District boundaries (“eligible producers”). The Program is intended to assist producers in complying with District Rules and Regulations.

Participation is optional and requires enrollment by the eligible producer.

For enrolled producers, District staff will coordinate sample collection, collect the required groundwater samples, and prepare and ship the samples to a licensed laboratory for analysis. Once results are received, District staff will review them for compliance with District Rules and Regulations and provide the results to the respective producer.

Enrollment Requirements

Eligible producers who wish to participate must contact the District to enroll and identify the groundwater wells or final points of distribution that require sampling.

  • Enrollment deadline: Producers must enroll by June 30 of the current water year to participate in the Program for that year.
  • Late enrollment: Producers who enroll after June 30 will not participate until the following water year and must collect their own samples before the new water year begins.
  • Annual scheduling: Enrolled producers must contact the District before June 30 of each water year to schedule sample collection by District staff.
  • Continued enrollment: Participation will continue in subsequent water years unless the producer contacts the District to terminate enrollment.
  • Termination: Enrolled producers may terminate their participation at any time by contacting the District.

Producers who choose not to participate in the Program are responsible for collecting, preparing, and shipping their samples to a licensed laboratory for analysis. They are also responsible for ensuring that sample results are submitted to the District in accordance with applicable reporting requirements.

Cost of the Program

The District provides the groundwater sampling Program at no cost to enrolled producers. No fees or charges will be assessed for samples collected through the Program.

Producers who do not participate in the Program are responsible for all laboratory analysis costs. The District will not provide cost-share assistance for samples that were not collected through enrollment in the Program.

Outside Water Samples

Producers who prefer to collect their own samples or have an agent collect samples on their behalf may deliver those samples to the District for preparation and shipment to a licensed laboratory. Enrollment in the Program is not required to use this service.

The costs associated with processing outside samples, including laboratory analysis and shipping, will be invoiced to the appropriate individual (landowner, operator, or agent) after the District receives the laboratory’s invoice.

Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. Past-due balances will accrue interest as permitted by law.

Laboratory results will be provided to District staff, who will review them for compliance with District Rules and Regulations and provide the results to the respective producer.

Policy Adoption

This policy statement was adopted by the Board of Directors of the North Platte Natural Resources District at a regular Board of Directors meeting held in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, on October 8, 2026.

Cost-Share Availability

Cost-share assistance may be available to help offset the expenses associated with required soil sampling. Applicants should be sure to follow all instructions and meet the specific requirements outlined on each cost-share form to ensure eligibility.

  • Soil Sample Cost-Share Application for Water Year 2026 Results
    • This form is for samples collected during Water Year 2026 (October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026). Completed forms must be submitted with sample results by December 31, 2026.
    • Each probe site must be georeferenced, with a map showing probe locations submitted with the application.
    • Composite samples may represent a maximum of 80 acres and must be collected as paired surface and subsoil samples.
    • Applications must be approved by the North Platte NRD before cost-share is effective.
    • Funding is first-come, first-served and not guaranteed; only the landowner or operator may receive cost-share funds per tract.
    • Cost-share is provided at 50% of eligible costs (sampling and shipping), up to a maximum of $25 per paired sample.
  • Soil Sample Cost-Share Application for Water Year 2027 Results
    • This form is for samples collected during Water Year 2027 (October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027). Completed forms must be submitted with sample results by December 31, 2027.
    • Each probe site must be marked on a map attached to the application showing each probe site when submitted.
    • Composite samples must be collected to represent a maximum of 80 acres.
    • Samples must be paired (surface and subsoil). Surface (max of 12”) must be complete samples; Subsoil must include nitrate N only (min. 24”).
    • All soil sample results must be shared with the North Platte NRD.
    • This application will not be effective until approved by the North Platte NRD.
    • Funds will be paid on a first come, first serve basis. Funding is not guaranteed. Only the landowner OR the operator will receive cost-share funds, not both, on a single tract.
    • Cost share will be provided on approved Applications at $25 per paired sample.
    • Samples taken on acres outside the NPNRD boundaries will not qualify for cost share.
    • Samples taken on acres that are not certified or registered with the NPNRD will not qualify for cost share.

Soil Sample Cost Share applications and supporting documents may be submitted by mail, hand delivery, or email. Mail or deliver materials to the North Platte NRD office at 100547 Airport Rd, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, or email them to .

Acknowledgment Forms

If you believe you qualify for an allowance from sampling requirements, one of the following forms must be completed and submitted for review and approval. This form confirms that you understand the requirements and the conditions under which an allowance is granted. Acknowledgement forms and supporting documents may be submitted by mail, hand delivery, or email. Mail or deliver materials to the North Platte NRD office at 100547 Airport Rd, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, or email them to allowance@npnrd.org.

  • Acknowledgment of Non-Irrigated Acres
    • If your acres will not be or were not irrigated with groundwater or surface water during the Water Year (Oct. 1 – Sept. 30), you may request an Allowance under Chapter 11.
    • Any Allowance is valid only for the current Water Year.
    • A new Acknowledgement of Non-Irrigated Acres Form must be submitted each year to qualify for the Allowance.
    • This Allowance applies to both water and soil sampling requirements for the listed acres. If the acres are irrigated at any time during the Water Year, the District must be notified, and all Chapter 11 sampling requirements will apply.
  • Acknowledgment of Participation
    • If your acres are enrolled in a local, state, or federal retirement program that restricts water use, you may request an Allowance under Chapter 11.
    • Any Allowance is valid only for the duration of the retirement program. If the program ends mid–Water Year, the acres must comply with Chapter 11 unless a new acknowledgement form and required documents are submitted and approved by the District.
    • A fully executed copy of your retirement program contract, signed by all required parties, must be submitted, along with any relevant maps.
    • This Allowance exempts the acres from both water and soil sampling requirements during the program.
    • The District cannot grant an Allowance until the form and all required documents are received.
  • Acknowledgment of Nonuse, No Meter or Inoperable Well
    • If your well(s) are not used for irrigation, do not have a flow meter, or are inoperable during the Water Year (Oct. 1 – Sept. 30), you may request an Allowance under Chapter 11.
    • Any Allowance granted is valid only for the current Water Year.
    • A new Acknowledgement of Nonuse, No Meter, or Inoperable Well Form must be submitted each year to qualify for the Allowance.
    • This Allowance applies only to water sampling requirements for the listed well(s); associated acres may still be subject to soil sampling requirements depending on individual circumstances.
    • If the well(s) are used, have a flow meter installed, or become operable at any time during the Water Year, the District must be notified, and Chapter 11 water sampling requirements will apply.

Licensed Sample Lab Resources

The North Platte NRD compiled a list of crop consultants, labs accepting water samples, and labs accepting soil samples locally and in surrounding states to provide the necessary information for people to be able to follow our Rules and Regulations. This is not a complete list, we are not endorsing these businesses, and if you would like to be added to this list, please contact the North Platte NRD and let us know.