Trickle Down Thursdays, Slow It Down and Soak It In

In an effort to better educate the public on Stormwater Management the City of Grand Island will be posting descriptions of how it complies with federal regulations every Thursday with a quick overview of their program. If you would like more information please go to the City specific website at Grand-island.com

Waterwise Wednesday: The Dirty on Clean Laundry

The average US family of four generates 300 loads of laundry a year and uses 6,000-12,000 gallons of water to get them clean. Depending on the efficiency of the washer, each load uses 15 gallons (high-efficiency front load) to 40 gallons (traditional top load with vertical agitator) of water.

Save water by washing only full loads and save energy by using cold water and hanging your clothes out to dry instead of running them through the dryer.

Photo © Faidoi

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Waterwise Wednesday: Multipurpose Ponds

Did you know the Riverside Park fishing ponds also help manage the city’s stormwater runoff?

The ponds at Riverside Park provide scenic greenspace, recreation, and even food (fish) while safely routing and cleaning our stormwater runoff on the way to the North Platte River. Terrytown and Gering include Terry’s Lake and the water hazards at Monument Shadows Golf Course in their stormwater systems too.

Stormwater travels untreated through the storm sewer, so protecting stormwater runoff from pollutants also protects our public fishing, our scenic water spaces, and our water recreation.

Photo: Riverside Fishing Bridge by L. Sato

Waterwise Wednesday: Some Good News

Thanks to extreme conservation efforts, a dose of heavy rains, and continued adherence to water restrictions, Day Zero has been pushed back to 2019.

Day Zero loomed ominously over Cape Town, South Africa, when all water taps to the would be shut off for 3.74 million residents due to three years of drought, population expansion, and insufficient planning.

Residents still limit themselves to 50 litres (13 gallons) of water each day, complete entire showers in 60 seconds, flush their toilets only once a day, and minimize dish washing and laundry all on reduced water pressure. In the process, Cape Town has become an international role model for urban water conservation.

Waterwise Wednesday: Happy 4th of July!

We wish you a Happy Fourth of July.
Here’s some water tips to keep the holiday fun and enjoyable.

1. Stay hydrated to avoid heat illness.
2. Be a safe swimmer.
3. Practice safe boating
4. Soak spent fireworks before disposing.
5. Have fun!

Photo © Creative Commons Zero (CC0)

Image may contain: fireworks, sky, night and outdoor