LINCOLN — Grant funds have gone unclaimed, so a state agency has extended the deadline for Nebraskans with high nitrate levels in private wells to obtain rebates to finance reverse osmosis systems.

Only 92 applications were received by a March 31 deadline for the $1.2 million available for the program.

So the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has extended the deadline and will consider applications until the funds run out.

State rebates of up to $4,000 are available to owners of private wells with drinking water that tests above 10 parts per million (ppm) of nitrate, the level deemed hazardous to humans.

Applicants must ensure that their well is registered with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, and show, via water quality data from the state laboratory, that their well water tests above 10 ppm. Tests can be dated no earlier than Jan. 1, 2022.

Applicants must submit a cost estimate from a qualified plumber or installer, and obtain pre-approval from the NDEE to participate in the rebate program. The rebate will be provided after successful installation of a reverse osmosis system and a water test.

Requirements and application forms for the Reverse Osmosis Rebate Program can be found on NDEE’s website.

This story was originally published by Nebraska Examiner, an editorially independent newsroom providing a hard-hitting, daily flow of news. It is part of the national nonprofit States Newsroom. Find more at nebraskaexaminer.com.