Nebraska has some of the best water resources in the nation and the world. Groundwater in our aquifers could cover the state with nearly 40 feet of water if it were all pumped to the surface. Because groundwater is so plentiful and reliable, 85% of the state’s population uses groundwater as drinking water. Nebraska’s surface water resources are surprisingly extensive, including approximately 24,000 miles of flowing rivers and streams and about 430 square miles of lakes. More information