Help Our Storm Drains Help YOU
As the vibrant colors of autumn arrive and trees begin to shed their leaves, many homeowners find themselves raking, blowing, or mulching the seasonal debris. But beyond just being a yard maintenance task, managing fallen leaves plays a critical role in protecting our local waterways and stormwater systems. Here’s what you need to know and how you can help.
When leaves accumulate in the street or along storm drains, they don’t just disappear. Rainwater carries this organic material into storm drains, which often flow directly into local creeks, rivers, and lakes without any treatment. While leaves are natural, the nutrients they release as they decompose—especially phosphorus—can cause real problems in aquatic environments.
Storm drains are designed to handle stormwater runoff, not yard waste. When leaves, twigs, and grass clippings enter these drains, they can:
- Clog pipes and grates, leading to localized flooding during heavy rains.
- Release nutrients into water bodies, promoting algal blooms that reduce oxygen levels and harm aquatic life.
- Contribute to the formation of muck and sediment, which degrades water quality and can be costly to remove.
When phosphorus from leaf litter washes into waterways, it acts like fertilizer and can cause algae to grow rapidly. These algae blooms can, block sunlight from reaching underwater plants, deplete oxygen as they decompose, and create health risks for pets and people. Anything that enters these drains goes directly into our water resources untreated and eventually ends up in Lake Erie.
How You Can Help This Fall
Protecting water quality starts in your own yard and neighborhood. Here are some easy, effective steps to take:
- Get involved in our Storm Drain Marking program!
PCS offers a unique volunteer opportunity with our Storm Drain Marking program where volunteers can help to keep drains clear. Learn more about the program here. - Rake leaves away from curbs, gutters, and storm drains.
Keep leaf piles well away from drains if placing piles on the street for collection. - Compost or mulch your leaves.
Composting turns leaves into rich soil, while mulching with a mower returns nutrients to your lawn. - Use yard waste collection services.
Bag leaves or place them in designated bins according to your local schedule. - Talk to your neighbors.
Share the importance of proper leaf management for the health of your local water bodies.
Taking a few minutes to manage leaf debris responsibly helps prevent pollution, protects fish and wildlife, and keeps our stormwater systems working efficiently. It’s a simple seasonal habit that supports clean, clear, and safe waters for everyone!