Problem: The state of Nebraska lies over a large deposit of ground water, which provides supplies for drinking and for agriculture through almost all of the state. Over the last several years, however, there has been the beginning of a problem with contamination. In some sites around the state, industrial pollutants found in the ground water led to Superfund assistance with the cleanup process. Proposed solution: The state seeks to develop a system to prevent further ground water pollution. By targeting different types of potential pollution sources and developing appropriate precautions for these souces, the state hopes to develop a framework within which to control pollution. Also planned are a state cleanup fund for emergency situations where there may be no immediately traceable liability and a program to designate certain areas for more intensive ground water protection. The legislature is considering bills to regulate irrigation systems to prevent pollution of the water source, as well as an elimination of underground storage tanks for hazardous substances. Evaluation: The program is currently in the development stage. Contact: Nebraska Department of Environmental Control Citation: "Acting to Protect a Vital Resource." EPA Journal, v. 11 (April 1985), pp. 11-12. Keywords: environment water pollution