Storm Water Management


Stormwater LogoAccording to the National Water Quality Inventory, 70 percent of lakes, reservoirs, and ponds; 78 percent of bays and estuaries; and 55 percent of rivers and streams assessed in the U.S. are impaired by pollution and do not meet minimum water quality standards. The leading causes of river and stream impairments are pathogens, sediments, and nutrients; and the top probable source of these impairments is agriculture. Other waterbodies are impaired due to mercury pollution or Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), and often, the probable cause of impairment is unknown.

The City of Hastings, in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Nebraska Department of Environmental and Energy (NDEE), is currently in the process of developing and implementing storm water pollution controls. The common goal of these programs is to reduce pollutants that enter our nation's water bodies. Pollution of storm water affects everyone greatly; this is why our program targets such a wide variety of contributing elements including industry, construction activities, and residential community habits. The programs outline simple Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can detect and reduce pollution early.

It is our hope this website will provide you with as much information possible about storm water pollution, it's effects, and what can be done to protect our surface and ground waters.

Have you noticed an activity that might pollute the storm water in your community? Call (402) 461-2339 to notify us of a problem, or contact us via our Storm Water General Questions email and we will be happy to answer your questions.