NORFOLK - Building a clean water future in northeast Nebraska is the theme for this year's Nebraska Water Conference in Norfolk.

The conference was held Wednesday and Thursday at the Divots Conference Center.

It's based around three pillars – water quality and public health, innovative solutions to current problems and community engagement.

Producers, policymakers and university researchers shared ideas on how to ensure a clean water future.

Research and Extension Specialist for the Nebraska Water Center, Crystal Powers, says the conference is a way to brainstorm with others throughout the state.

“We’re just talking kind of this is the next stage of how do we an even better job of keeping those things in balance so that we can find ways to grow our regional economic base at the same time as having really high quality of life for everyone who lives here in Nebraska.” Powers says.

Day one began with a 'State of the State’s Water Quality' featuring university and local water managers.

The evening featured area high school students and teachers presenting their work on water quality monitoring.

The last day of the conference will focus on the public health impacts of water quality.