Get your kids excited about the environment
LINKSCitizens of all ages should be educated about the causes of water pollution in our city and what actions they can take every day to keep our rivers, lakes and drinking water clean and healthy.
To help children understand the complex issues surrounding how stormwater pollution occurs and actions they can take to prevent it, the Stormwater Program staff has designed specific activities and educational materials to help them learn.
Coloring books and activity books are available to help children learn about water pollution prevention and understanding how everyday human activities affect the quality of air, land, and water. You can download the WOW Activity Book on the left. The EPA also has a book available for download, “Thirstin’s Wacky Water Adventures.”
You can also get more involved with helping to keep our stormwater clean by contacting Keep Omaha Beautiful at (402) 444-7774 and participate in a stream clean-up activity, drain marking event, or a number of other litter clean-up events.
Don’t forget to join us at our annual World O! Water Festival. It’s a fun event where the whole family can learn about protecting and preserving our area water resources. Activities include canoe rides, face painting, animal exhibits, art activities, music, and food. Go to www.worldowater.org to find out more about this great event!
Watch the videos below for more information about the causes of area water pollution and how you can prevent it in your own neighborhood. These public service announcements were produced by the Nebraska Stormwater Cooperative.
Here’s some things you can do with your family to prevent stormwater pollution:
Contact us to present to your neighborhood association, school, or organization. We love to get out into the community to share what is going on! Click here to contact us
Join us for our annual free family event – World O! Water
- Wash cars infrequently and use biodegradable soap when you do.
- Recycle used motor oil and anti-freeze.
- Bring left over toxic materials to UndertheSink. Go to https://www.underthesink.org/ for more information.
- Build and install a rain barrel. Learn more about the Omaha’s Rain Barrel Program.
- Start a recycling center for paper, glass, and cans.
- Always put trash in trash cans – never in the street!
- Ride your bike or the bus, or carpool with a friend.
- Use water-based paints and wash up inside the classroom!
- Remind your parents not to apply fertilizer, herbicides, or pesticides if rain is in the forecast!
- Use kitty litter to soak up spilled oil from your driveway. Sweep it up and throw it in the trash can.
- Pick up your pet’s poop using a plastic bag or pooper scooper. Then, put the poop in the trash.