Storm Drains - 'Only Rain in the Storm Drain'
City storm sewers are designed to carry rain water (commonly referred to as 'storm water'), surface run-off and snow melt to the river.
Storm sewers are not designed to handle leaves, grass clippings and other yard debris. During rainstorms, grass clippings, leaves and other yard debris can plug storm drains/grates and accumulate in the pipes, contributing to clogs and back-ups. In heavy rain events these clogs and back-ups can cause flooding.
In addition to grass clippings, leaves and debris, storm water often contains materials found on streets and parking lots such as oil, antifreeze, gasoline, soil, litter, pet wastes, fertilizers and pesticides. When even small amounts of these materials enter lakes and streams, they become pollutants that can kill fish and reduce water aesthetics.
GRASS CLIPPINGS, LEAVES, TWIGS and OTHER YARD DEBRIS
When it rains, grass clippings, leaves and other yard debris can end up in storm drains, causing blockages. Preventing these blockages is easy.
In addition to grass clippings, leaves and debris, storm water often contains materials found on streets and parking lots such as oil, antifreeze, gasoline, soil, litter, pet wastes, fertilizers and pesticides. When even small amounts of these materials enter lakes and streams, they become pollutants that can kill fish and reduce water aesthetics.
GRASS CLIPPINGS, LEAVES, TWIGS and OTHER YARD DEBRIS
When it rains, grass clippings, leaves and other yard debris can end up in storm drains, causing blockages. Preventing these blockages is easy.
- Compost grass clippings.
- Keep mowed grass off the street by mowing grass into the yard not into the street.
- Do not rake grass or leaves into the street or curb/gutter. It can plug city drainage systems.
- Do not allow soil, leaves or grass clippings to accumulate on driveways, sidewalks, or in streets.
OTHER MATERIALS
Storm drains in St. Clair transport rain to the LeSueur River. Storm water often contains materials found on streets and parking lots such as grass clippings, oil, antifreeze, gasoline, soil, litter, pet wastes, fertilizers, pesticides and leaves. When even small amounts of these materials enter lakes and streams, they become pollutants that can kill fish and reduce water aesthetics.
HELP KEEP STORM DRAINS CLEAN:
Do not dispose of motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, paints, solvents, or other materials in storm drains.
- When doing vehicle maintenance and repairs, clean up spilled liquids and other materials.
- Wash vehicles on a grassy area rather than on the driveway and reduce the amount of soap used. Using biodegradable soap or low phosphate to wash vehicles is best.
- Sweep fertilizer and soil off driveways and walkways.
- Dispose of pet wastes properly.