M.U.D. Blog

National Drinking Water Week is May 6-12, and this year's theme is “Protect the Source.” There are a variety of ways we can help protect and preserve our source water so it’s available for future generations.

Along with the American Water Works Association and the U.S. water community, we are celebrating Drinking Water Week by recognizing the vital role drinking water plays in our daily lives. We encourage you to learn more about your drinking water, the sources as well as the treatment processes used to provide safe, reliable water to your home or business.

Where your tap water come from - Sources of M.U.D. water include the Missouri and Platte Rivers and the Dakota sandstone aquifer. Water is pumped from intakes and wells maintained by the District.

How your water is treated - Our three water treatment plants follow a four-step process, including softening, clarifying, filtering and disinfecting the water, to meet federal and state drinking water standards. We run more than 1,000 tests a day to ensure your tap water is safe to drink.

How you can help protect the drinking water supply and quality:

• Reduce the use of fertilizers, pesticides and toxic cleaners.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet. Participate in a "Take Back Drug" program or contact your pharmacy for disposal suggestions.
• Do not dump trash, used motor oil or other waste into storm sewers.
• Donate unused paint to community groups or take it to a household hazardous waste collection facility like Under the Sink at 4001 South 120th Street, which serves Douglas and Sarpy counties. For hours and a list of items accepted, visit Under the Sink.

How to learn more about your water - Review the Consumer Confidence Report that covers 2017 water quality data. To request a hard copy, please contact Customer Service via email or call 402.554.6666.

Each month, nearly two dozen of our employees are in classrooms across Omaha making a difference in the lives of children. As part of Mentoring Month, we recognize our employees who participate in the Partnership 4 Kids (P4K) program. The mentoring program helps educate students and prepare them for the future.

First-time mentors Tiffany Mantz and Cheryl Hugo stress the importance of mentoring. “As a parent, I know that kids always look outside the home for guidance,” Tiffany said. “I think it’s important for kids to get encouragement from everyone – not just teachers and family. Sometimes the best advice comes from an outsider.”

Cheryl added, “It’s important for kids to know that they are loved and that we care for them.”

Anna Bennett, another first-time mentor, said, “I’ve been lucky to have great mentors in my life and wanted to share my gifts and talents with our P4K students. Being a mentor gives me the ability to humbly share my values and coaching skills with our next generation of leaders.”

Anna decided to participate in the program this year because she’s passionate about the future of today’s children. “My primary passion is to enhance grade-level reading in the Omaha-Council Bluffs community,” she said.

By spending just one hour each month, our employees are fulfilled knowing that their time is spent helping someone else. “I love seeing them get excited to see us,” said Cheryl.

Giving back to the community through mentorship is another benefit of the program. Anna said, “What I didn’t anticipate was that, in the process of giving back, I’m also receiving in a way I never thought would be possible. My students are excited about reading and meeting their goals, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of those accomplishments.”

While classroom mentorships are important, lessons learned from the experience can be equally as important outside the walls of the school. Tiffany said, “My biggest takeaway from this has been the reminder that the little things matter. Kindness, compliments and encouragement go a long way with everyone – not just kids.”

Did You Know?
(Data and information from Partnership 4 Kids Social Return on Investment Report; May 8, 2017)

• For every $1.00 invested in P4K programming, there is an average return of $2.78 to participants.
• During the 2015-2016 year, mentors donated $187,000 in volunteer hours.
• Mentoring is linked to higher academic achievement and school engagement, decreased criminal activity, improved social skills and health for both mentors and students.