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.

 

Cost-Share Availability

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

 

  • Water Sample Cost-Share Application
    • Samples are accepted from May 15 to August 1 each Water Year.
    • One sample is allowed per application; separate applications are required for each sample.
    • Samples must be collected from a well or final point of distribution, with required georeferencing and well information provided.
    • Funding is first-come, first-served and not guaranteed; only the landowner or operator may receive cost-share funds.
    • The cost to the landowner or operator is $10 per sample, due at drop-off.
  • Soil Sample Cost-Share Application
    • 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 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.