With population growth in eastern Nebraska expected to increase, the need for reliable water supplies will become paramount in the future. In a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal agencies, a study has been initiated to gain a clearer understanding of the groundwater and interconnected surface water resources. The water resources in Eastern Nebraska can be difficult to characterize due to the complex geology created by past glaciations. Acquiring geologic and hydrologic data in the eastern, or glaciated, part of Nebraska requires the use of multiple, innovative techniques. Currently, little is known about which techniques are most effective and feasible in eastern Nebraska for characterizing large areas of complex glaciated geology.

The ENWRA group has established three pilot test sites for intensive study using a variety of investigative techniques. The goal of the initial work being done at the three pilot test sites is to determine the location, extent, and connectivity of aquifers with surface waters, with the hope of expanding these investigative techniques across other portions of eastern Nebraska. The pilot test sites are located near Oakland, Ashland, and Firth with each site exhibiting differing geologic conditions. The techniques that will be utilized in the ENWRA study include: 1) helicopter electromagnetic surveys; 2) ground-based geophysical surveys; 3) test hole drilling; and 4) geochemical analysis, just to name a few.

The agencies involved in the ENWRA are:
Lower Platte South Natural Resources District
Lower Platte North Natural Resources District
Papio Missouri River Natural Resources District
Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District
Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District
Nemaha Natural Resources District
United States Geological Survey
University of Nebraska Lincoln Conservation and Survey Division
Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality