Protecting our Water, One Step at a Time
Even small changes can help protect our local waterways and natural resources
Some simple things that every resident can do to keep our streams, lakes, and community clean:
Rain Barrels
Rain Barrels help to lower your water bills by collecting rain water that falls on your roof each year. They also help improve our environment. Most of the time, the water that hits the roof goes directly into the downspouts, onto the pavement, and into the stormwater system. This water can instead be used to water your trees, irrigate plants, clean off tools, or wash your car.
Stormwater Management
Protection of water quality is an environmental issue everyone faces. When it rains and as snow melts, water runs across and off our property. This runoff water is referred to as stormwater. As stormwater flows across surfaces, it picks up pollutants in its path and eventually deposits them into streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or other surface water. There are many things that home and land owners can do to reduce and slow runoff, as well as ensuring that runoff is pollutant-free. These can include:
Downspout redirection
Rain Gardens and Green Roofs
Composting
Chemical and Turf Management
Find out more about stormwater management here!
Drinking Water & Home Water Conservation
How much do you really know about the water you drink every day? Where does it come from? Is it safe to drink? Is a home water treatment system necessary? How can drinking water be protected?
Learn more here about the water in your home, home water conservation, testing options in Nebraska, and best practices.
Reporting Pollution & Recycling Household Chemicals
Antifreeze, gasoline, household cleaners, pesticides, oil paints, solvents, and motor oil are just a few of the common household products that enter our storm drains. Instead of putting these chemicals into the trash, down the storm drain, or into the ground, take them to your local hazardous waste center.
Illegal dumping pollutes our land and violates the rights of others. It’s not only dangerous, especially to children and pets, it is also expensive to clean up. Use the button below to find your nearest waste center and learn how to report spills, dumping, or draining of pollutants in your neighborhood.