The village of Giltner (pop. 367) was in desperate need of expanded water storage and an additional well. In 2001, the village applied for and received Community Development Block Grant funding through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, to construct another well, a new 100,000-gallon storage reservoir, 7,400-feet of water mains and to install water meters.

Later, in 2002, in addition to 2 existing wells, a third well was constructed to help meet the village’s growing daily need. The new well is not only more efficient, but allows many people to access the well simultaneously. The wells are critical to ensure fire protection, and provide better water pressure for the additional well users. The village has also see a reduced insurance rating, because of the water availability

Initially, there was some resistance to erecting the new water tower, but after villagers experienced the positive effects of the water tower, support grew. Village clerk Charlynn Kral Krcilek said, “As a whole, the community supports the water project.” First, the village will monitor usage and then began billing.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality also provided a loan for the project. The village can now boast of a more reliable and environmentally safe water system.