Nebraska is home of Arbor Day, which we celebrate this Friday. See just how much work trees do!
Tag: Water Quality
Waterwise Wednesday: Thank you to our Water and Wastewater Staff for all you do!
Please enjoy this tribute to waterworks from the Water Environment Federation (WEF)
Somewhere. Every drop of water that we use goes somewhere. It comes to us. Together, we are creating the future of water and building a legacy that is protec…
YOUTUBE.COM
Waterwise Wednesday: Spring has Sprung and Lawn Work has Begun!
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midst the activity, we ask your help in protecting our water quality and MS4 with appropriate fertilizer application. Fertilizer in water causes large algae blooms, hypoxic (dead) zones in water as it decays, and can be toxic to water supply systems. These consequences are easy to prevent with proper application.
Fertilizing Tips:
1. Apply during calm dry weather to prevent spread into unwanted areas.
2. Apply as directed – excessive lawn feeding contributes to ground water contamination.
3. Sweep fertilizer back on the grass if it falls on the sidewalk or other impervious surface to keep it out of the storm sewer.
4. Consider grass clippings or compost as natural alternatives.
Waterwise Wednesday: Seeing Salty Sidewalks
If there is a layer of salt remaining on the driveway or sidewalk after the ice melts, too much salt got sprinkled. If you find excess sand or salt, sweep it up and throw it away so that it is not washed into the storm sewer.
One teaspoon of salt is enough to contaminate five gallons of water forever. Salts, like the de-icers we use in winter, stay in water without settling out contaminating and damaging the North Platte River and freshwater lakes where we fish.
Waterwise Wednesday: Turn Your Home into a Stormwater Pollution Solution!
This web site links to an EPA homeowner’s guide to healthy
habits for clean water that provides tips for better vehicle and
garage care, lawn and garden techniques, home improvement, pet
care, and more.
is a first national snapshot of NPS activities underway across the United States and the people who are making it happen
EPA.GOV
Waterwise Wednesday: What’s Hidden in the Melting Snow
As warmer weather melts the snow piles around town, the runoff makes its way to the city’s outfalls where the contaminants can be seen. The swirled sheen on the water’s surface is oil that was trapped in the snow. Snow traps oils, salts and sediment that are released into the runoff as the snow melts. Snowmelt runoff is one of largest sources of urban water pollution.
Waterwise Wednesday: Five Things You Should Never Put Down a Drain
Clogs from Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) are easily preventable:
- Don’t pour FOG down the drain
- Pour cooled fats, oils and grease into a container and put the container in the trash. If you don’t have a container, place tin foil into a coffee cup or similar, add FOG, allow to cool and dispose.
- Before washing, use a paper napkin or paper towel to wipe FOG from dishes and dispose of it in the trash
- Use sink strainers to catch food waste
- Put food scraps in the trash, not through the garbage disposal.
This USA Today video from MSN.com shows a few other substances that should also be kept out of the drain: 5 Things You Should Never Put Down a Drain