Watershed Management Public Education Survey Results

Purpose

Watershed Management was required to conduct a public education survey once during the 2018-2023 NPDES Permit term. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Public Education Program. It also provided an opportunity for the public to provide feedback and express any concerns they had regarding the quality of Lincoln’s lakes and streams.

The Public Education Program has a variety of ongoing campaigns. The Public Education Strategic Plan places emphasis on reaching a variety of audiences including school-age children, adults, homeowners, and developers, builders and contractors. The overall goal is to increase awareness of pollutants found in stormwater runoff and pollution prevention techniques.

Children using a water table to learn about stream flows, erosion, and flooding.

The results of the survey will be utilized to improve the Public Education Program and provide new opportunities for public engagement.

Methods

The survey consisted of 29 questions similar to those found in other stormwater public education surveys and were relatively easy to understand (e.g. non-technical terms, etc.). The questions were divided into three sections:

  • Demographic Questions
  • Opinion Questions
  • Quiz Questions

Results

  • 129 people completed the survey
  • 95% were Lincoln residents
  • 92% were homeowners
  • Most gave Lincoln’s lakes and streams a rating of “fair” or “good” in terms of water quality

How important is stormwater management, including surface water quality and flood-related issues, in the City of Lincoln?

Scale of 1 Through 5
Not Important 1 2 3 4 5 Very Important

What should the City of Lincoln's role in stormwater management be?

Popular Themes
AOrdinances and Regulations, Enforcement (Including Construction Sites/Development)
BFlood Prevention, Maintaining Proper Drainage
CEducating the Public
DPrevent Pollution, Protect Water Quality
EManage Stormwater, Efficiently Move Stormwater Away

What should individual property owners' role in stormwater management be?

Popular Themes
ANo Dumping, Prevent Pollution
BKeep Inlets Clear, Maintain Proper Drainage
CProper Use of Pesticides or Fertilizers, Proper Lawn Care Techniques
DKnowing and Following Ordinances or Guidelines
EEducating Onself, Awareness

Do you have any concerns regarding stormwater management in Lincoln?

Popular Themes
AIncreased Flooding, Climate Change
BPoor Water Quality, Unsafe Surface Waters
CNot Enough Public Education
DNo Problems, No Concerns
EToo Slow to Enforce Construction Ordinances, Need More Oversight of Development

Popular themes observed in answers to a qualitative question. Some answers may have contained more than one theme. Not all responses are represented.

Quiz

Based on the answers to the quiz, Lincoln residents are familiar with stormwater pollution prevention concepts Average Quiz Score 84%

The most frequently missed quiz question: True/False - The runoff from washing a car with biodegradable soap is safe to go down the storm drain

36% were unable to name Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department or Lincoln Police Department as the appropriate agency to contact if they witness illegal dumping

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