What should you do with snow?

Snow can be fun but clearing it is a workout! While you’re shoveling, consider where you’re putting the snow. If you put it in your yard, the snowmelt will be able to water your yard. Also, you will probably only have to move that snow once- the plows won’t put it back in your driveway.

Moving snow into the street can cause safety hazards for passing vehicles and is a nuisance for City crews. See more from our Streets Department.

While you’re dressed for the weather, be a Snow Hero. Clear a path for your mail delivery driver and move snow away from any fire hydrants you may have in your yard. If you’ve had extra coffee, you might even create a path for snowmelt to the nearest storm drain to avoid an ice build-up after sunny days.

Image result for snowed in hydrant

Got Batteries?

This holiday season you may find yourself purchasing more batteries, but what happened to the old ones? Remember that old batteries do not belong in the trash. They are built out of chemicals found in heavy metals; at a landfill, these chemicals can soak in and contaminate our water supply. Please take the time to dispose of them properly! Contact Interstate Battery or Best Buy for proper disposal.

Watershed

A watershed is the region of land draining into a specific body of water.

We all live in a watershed; we all play in a watershed. All Nebraska water comes from a watershed and flows downstream into another watershed. Ours originates in the Rocky Mountains above Denver and ends up in the Gulf of Mexico via New Orleans.

Watersheds help us remember that water pollution and stewardship is more than a local issue. What they do upstream directly affects us and what we do here affects all people downstream. Click here to learn more.

Developers can make a difference

Construction sites are a major source of stormwater pollution in the form of dirt, vehicle chemicals, and spills. There are many tools available to improve your site. Construction entrances maintained with large rock can knock dirt loose of vehicles before entering the roadway. Silt fence can trap dirt before it leaves your site. Basic upkeep on all equipment will reduce the number and types of leaks from engines and help your site run more efficiently. Careful handling and proper storage of large quantities of chemicals can ensure that any leaks are contained and handled appropriately.

Remember: allowing sediment and pollutants to leave your worksite is against federal, state, and local regulations.

What is “Runoff”?

So- what is runoff?

Runoff is any stormwater that can’t infiltrate the soil. This water & snowmelt from our roofs, streets, and pavement creates a flowing river. The river picks up anything it can carry as it flows: yard chemicals, vehicle chemicals, pet waste, trash, soil and debris. The runoff river carries these things into our local streams and lakes before flowing out to the Platte River and beyond. Check out the the Center for Watershed Protection for more information.

Protect your Rain Barrel

Protect your investment; winterize your rain barrels. Start by draining the water before freezing temperatures arrive. Disconnect all hoses (and get the ones attached to your house while you’re out.) Disconnect the barrel from your downspout- seal up the connection with a stopper and re-direct the downspout away from the foundation of your house. Clean any debris from the filter and the barrel. Finally, store your barrel upside-down to prevent snowmelt from accumulating inside.

Here is a quick video demonstration.