Keep Leaves and Yard Waste Out of Storm Drains

It is that time again – storm season! Leaves are lovely to look at but once these leaves start drifting to the ground, we all know what a mess will be left behind. Leaves should never be blown or raked into storm drains. When leaves enter storm drains, they clog the pipes and cause street flooding. And if they aren’t removed, the leaves will start to decay, sending a lot of nutrients into our waterways. We know you want to do your part to protect our water.

Town crews work hard to keep storm drains clear of leaves; and we could use your help! Fallen leaves pile up on storm drains on our streets, blocking rainwater from draining, which can lead to flooding. Flooding can cause safety concerns and property damage.

The Town has a contractual provider who performs street sweeping services each month along the Town’s paved roads. Street sweeping is an effective best management practice to prevent non-point source pollution, such as roadway particulate matter, fine sediments, leaves, and other debris, from entering storm drain inlets and lake systems and degrading water quality.  However, leaves and debris on dirt roads is an issue we have here in the Town and street sweeping is not possible on dirt roads.

Therefore, we need your help.

Help protect our water and sewer resources:

• Never rake or blow leaves into streets, ditches, or storm drains.
• Place your leaves in a paper bag or bin for curbside yard debris collection, or compost them at home. If you have a mulching lawnmower, use it to recycle leaves and their nutrients into your lawn.
• Do not dump yard waste, trash, or other waste near or into storm drains.
• Ask your lawn care provider not to blow leaves and grass trimmings into the street, curbs or storm drains.

 Be a good neighbor! Keep sidewalks and streets safe by cleaning up leaves and yard debris properly.