Foliage and Flow: How to Keep Your Drains Free of Leaves

Fall is just around the corner and many of us are spending our weekends trying to catch up with the week's falling leaves and debris from our trees. For the people in urban areas with storm drains on their streets, there needs to be extra precautions taken to maintain these drains. It is our responsibility to make sure that nothing but rainwater flows from our yards into storm drains.

Raking Leaves is a crucial step in preventing storm drains from clogging. Here are some tips to effectively rake leaves and avoid causing issues:

  • Rake Leaves away from Storm Drains: Remove leaves from the end of your property to prevent them from entering storm drains

  • Use a Leaf Blower: A leaf blower can help in clearing leaves from your yard without blowing them into storm drains

  • Check for Clogs: Regularly inspect storm drains for any leaves or debris that may be accumulated

  • Dispose of Leaves Properly: Place leaves in designated yard waste bags or compost bins to prevent them from entering storm drains

  • Install Leaf Guards: Consider installing leaf guards on your home’s gutters to prevent leaves from entering them

NOTE:

The main goal of stormwater and green infrastructure maintenance in the fall is to prevent leaves and other plant matter from entering the system. These approaches improve water quality, reduce the risk or harmful algal blooms and help prevent blockages and backup in stormwater drainage systems.

Nicole Przygocki