‘Leaf’ Our Lakes Healthy: Clean Streets, Storm Drains for Healthy Waters
For the City Times
Falling leaves are rapidly filling yards and streets, and this time of year can be a key time to help our lakes and rivers in Wisconsin.
Leaves that fill up storms drains end up carrying excess nutrients to our waterways. Storm drains do not flow to water sanitation plants, but instead empty out and land in our water-bodies for the majority of the storm drains in the area.
This means that our lakes and rivers become the collective drain for all the nutrients that run off from our yards, which fuels excess aquatic plant growth and algae for the following year.
By keeping streets and storm drains clean, we can cut down the excess nutrients in our waterways, and have healthier water-bodies to enjoy next summer.
Homeowners should be vigilant in removing leaves and other debris from the street and storm drains, and instead use the material for mulch or bag up for the fall leaf pickup.