FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Stormwater and runoff from sprinklers or hoses may wash pollutants from streets, industrial or commercial facilities, construction sites, and the urban landscape into storm drains. Eventually, this runoff may flow into local streams, creeks, and ravines without being treated.

Remember: a sanitary sewer system and a storm drain system are not the same. Water that goes down a sink, shower, or other indoor plumbing drain flows to either a wastewater treatment plant or to a septic system for treatment. In contrast, water that flows into a storm drain is not treated.

Since stormwater and other runoff can pick up materials from the urban landscape and flow into the storm drain system untreated, it may harm local waterways. Examples of these adverse impacts include, but are not limited to:

• Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen can cause the overgrowth of algae resulting in oxygen depletion in waterways.
• Hazardous substances from motor vehicles and the over-application of pesticides and fertilizers may harm fish and other aquatic life.
• Bacteria from animal wastes and improper connections to storm drain systems can make lakes and waterways unsafe for wading, swimming, and fish consumption.
• Trash can clog storm drains, which can contribute to flooded streets during storm events and be unsightly to your neighborhood.

We’re glad you asked! Every Lincoln business and resident plays a vital role in helping reduce the potential impacts of stormwater runoff. Here are a few tips that can help protect our city. Remember — Clean Water Starts With You!

• Only rainwater down the storm drain. Don’t dump anything into the curb and gutter or storm drains. Be sure to clear away leaves and debris.
• Dispose of Trash and Litter.  Make sure that you pick up any trash that you or your family may have dropped on sidewalks or streets and dispose of it within a trash receptacle.
• Drop off hazardous waste. Be sure to always take household hazardous waste (HHW) like antifreeze, paints, solvents, cleaners, and old batteries to a certified collection facility. Check out the Lincoln Recycling & Garbage site for more information.
• Pick up after your pets:  Please pick up your animal’s waste, not only on your own lawn, but also when you walk your pet. This will reduce the amount of bacteria that gets into our waterways. (TIP: Animal waste can not be composted! Please make sure all pet waste goes into the trash bin or receptacle.)
• Keep your car well-maintained. Fix any fluid leaks promptly and make sure to clean up any spills. Recycle used oil at Certified Collection Centers in your neighborhood found here.
• Conserve when watering your lawn.  Especially in the time of drought, overwatering not only wastes a precious and expensive resource, it also creates runoff, which can pick up pollutants and enter the storm drains and waterways.
• Use lawn or garden chemicals sparingly. Choose organic alternatives when possible and avoid applying chemicals before a rainstorm. Review the Our Water Our World website to find less toxic products or alternative methods for managing pests in your home and garden.
• Grasscycle. Grasscycling is a simple solution to the problem and involves nothing more than leaving your clippings on the lawn instead of disposing of them. The trimmed blades quickly and naturally break down, and serve as a natural fertilizer. It’s free, it’s easy, and produces no waste at all! Learn more here.
• Wash your car over your lawn or gravel.  This allows the ground to filter the soap and grime from your car’s wash water rather than allowing it to flow to the storm drain and, ultimately, to our creeks and streams. Use biodegradable or non-toxic soap that is phosphate-free. You can also take your car to a commercial car wash where wastewater is either recycled or treated.
• Install a rain barrel. Rain barrels reduce flooding in yards and basements, reduce water and sewage bills, and will absorb slowly into the ground, which replenishes the groundwater supplies and increases water resources.
• Report illegal dumping. To report illegal dumping, fill out the form found here.
• Start a conversation. Educate friends, family, and neighbors. Share what you know about stormwater pollution with everyone you know!