Effective July 18, 2026, the Two Rivers Public Health Department (TRPHD) is the local regulatory authority for public swimming pools and spas in Buffalo, Dawson, Franklin, Gosper, Harlan, Kearney, and Phelps counties under Nebraska Legislative Bill 759.
TRPHD is responsible for permitting, inspecting, and enforcing Nebraska's public swimming pool regulations for all permitted facilities within the district. Inspections are not conducted on privately owned residential pools used exclusively by a single family.
What's Changed?
As of July 18, 2026:
- Annual Operating Permits are issued exclusively by TRPHD for facilities located within the Two Rivers Public Health Department district.
- The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (NDWEE) no longer issues annual operating permits for public swimming pools and spas located in the TRPHD jurisdiction.
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certificates are no longer issued by NDWEE. Pool operators should obtain certification through a TRPHD-recognized pool operator training course that meets the requirements of Nebraska Title 178, Chapter 2.
- TRPHD conducts routine inspections, complaint investigations, plan reviews, and enforcement activities in accordance with Nebraska Title 178, Chapter 2. No additional local operational standards have been adopted beyond those required by state regulations.
Applying for an Annual Operating Permit
Each public swimming pool or spa requires a separate Annual Operating Permit.
Applications may be submitted by:
- Completing the online application (if available), or
- Downloading the application and emailing it to eh@trphd.ne.gov, or
- Mailing or delivering it to:
Two Rivers Public Health Department
516 W. 11th Street, Suite 108B
Kearney, NE 68845
To avoid late fees, permit renewal applications should be submitted by March 15 each year.
