Program Spotlights & Video Gallery

CSO Program Milestone Achievements with More to Come
The City of Omaha's regional sewer system serves customers in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Omaha is one of more than 800 communities nationwide that have combined sewer systems. Some systems, including Omaha's, have combined sewer overflows (CSOs) that must be reduced to improve water quality in local rivers and streams.

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Program SPOTlights


CSO Facilities

This video explains the steps of combined sewage treatment at the Missouri River Water Resource Recovery Facility and how other area facilities work to improve the water quality of our river and streams.

CSO Projects Funded by NET, Part 1

Despite being a mandated program, CSO projects explored numerous methods to create rain gardens, bioswales and other solutions to improve how wastewater is handled.

CSO Projects Funded by NET, Part 2

By implementing various ecological solutions, Omaha can keep stormwater in more natural ecosystems rather than forcing it into wastewater treatment plants.

Engaging EEIP

CSO works to encourage small businesses, to create opportunities within CSO projects and to educate youth through its Economic Inclusion Plan.

How Much Has Already Been Done

Accounting for all completed projects, as well as projects actively underway, it is estimated that, when completed, the Program will capture 80% of combined sewage overflow to the Missouri River watershed.

How Omaha Pays

Projects are financed through the sale of 30-year bonds, as needed. The bonds are repaid through sewer usage fees from residents, businesses and wholesale users.

Infraestructura verde

Esta animación de dos minutos, sugerida para niños mayores de 10 años, explica qué es la infraestructura verde, dónde se puede ver en nuestra comunidad y cómo contribuye a la OSC. El objetivo del programa es reducir las bacterias en nuestros ríos y arroyos.

INSTALACIONES DE CSO

Este video explica los pasos del tratamiento de aguas residuales combinadas en la Instalación de Recuperación de Recursos Hídricos del Río Missouri y cómo otras instalaciones del área funcionan para mejorar la calidad del agua de nuestro río y arroyos.

Jim Theiler, Assistant Public Works Director, Environmental Services Talks About the CSO Program

Omaha Compared to Other Cities

Omaha is one of the largest cities with a combined sewer system, producing eight billion gallons a year of combined sewage that must be processed at a program cost of $2 billion.

Outreach: World O' Water

By promoting education about stormwater and its impact on communities, people can better understand the need for green infrastructure and why they are worth the investment long-term.

Overview of CSO

Omaha’s older sewer system east of 72nd street combines wastewater from homes with rain from weather events, meaning that in overflow, sewage leads to Omaha’s watersheds, causing pollution.

Program Overview

Clean Solutions for Omaha works to make our rivers and streams cleaner and safer for everyone in Omaha. Check out this video to learn more about our goals and the impact of our projects in the community.

Reseña del programa

Esta animación de dos minutos, sugerida para niños de 10 años en adelante, ofrece una descripción general del Programa CSO, lo que sucede cuando llueve y lo que está haciendo la Ciudad para evitar que las bacterias entren en nuestros ríos y arroyos.

Separación de alcantarillado

Esta animación de tres minutos, sugerida para niños mayores de 10 años, explica la historia del sistema de alcantarillado de Omaha, lo que sucede cuando está sobrecargado por el clima húmedo y ¡cómo los proyectos de separación de alcantarillado contribuyen al CSO El objetivo del programa de reducir las bacterias en nuestro río y arroyos.

Sewer Separation

This three-minute animation, suggested for kids 10 and older, explains the history of Omaha’s sewer system, what happens when it is overloaded by wet weather, and how sewer separation projects contribute to the CSO Program’s goal of reducing bacteria in our river and streams.

Using Local Contractors

Besides the emphasis on working with small businesses, CSO has awarded 80% of contracts to local contractors, which strengthens Omaha’s local economy.

What is a CSO?

Working with Regulators

Omaha maintains a positive relationship with regulators which allows the city to have some flexibility to manage changes in the project.