Nebraska SRF Program
Continued from page 1
a revolving fund, repaid dollars continuously cycle back into the program. This mechanism ensures that communities can secure low interest rates – historically saving local ratepayers millions of dollars and preventing steep rate hikes – while preserving capital for future generations. Throughout the history of the program,
more than 300 communities statewide have utilized this financial assistance.
The Environmental Quality Council, a 17-member public rule-making body appointed by the Governor, approved the FY2027 IUP on June 24.
Source: Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment
Beyond Flushing: Are your fire hydrants really ready?
Continued from page 4 colored water, excessive sediment, unusual operating torque, pressure fluctuations, or poor drainage often point toward larger issues occurring underground. Viewing hydrants as diagnostic tools rather than isolated pieces of equipment allows operators to detect developing problems throughout the water system before customers notice them.
Organizations such as the American Water Works Association recommend regular inspection, maintenance, and testing intervals because hydrants represent far more than individual assets. They are critical components
of a community's fire protection system and often remain in service for 50 years or more.
Thorough inspections, accurate documentation, and timely maintenance help ensure that when the fire department calls for water, the hydrant performs exactly as expected. The public may never notice a hydrant that works flawlessly, but that reliability is the direct result of consistent attention from utility personnel long before an emergency ever occurs.
Snowball Wastewater Conferences scheduled through 2030
The dates for future “Snowball” Wastewater Conferences at the Kearney Holiday Inn are set.
• Jan. 27-28, 2027
• Jan. 26-27, 2028
• Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2029
• Jan. 30-31, 2030
2026 Training Calendar
August
Aug. 11 Water Operator Training Workshop Community Center, O’Neill
Aug. 12 ............. Backflow Workshop ......................................... Fire Hall, Wayne
Aug. 13 ............. Water Operator Training Workshop ................. City Auditorium, Fremont
Aug. 19 Water Operator Training Workshop Water Shop, North Platte
September
Sept. 15 Water Operator Training Workshop Fire Hall, Gering
Sept. 16 ............ Backflow Workshop ......................................... Mid-Plains Community College, Ogallala
Sept. 17 ............ Water Operator Training Workshop ................. Lexington
Sept. 23-25 League Annual Conference Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, Lincoln
October
Oct. 20 Water Operator Training Workshop Ainsworth
Oct. 21 .............. Water Operator Training Workshop ................. St. Paul
Oct. 22 .............. Backflow Workshop ......................................... Service Center, Beatrice Visit our website for a complete list of workshops and conferences.
