Keeping all leaves, limbs and debris cleared away from drains not only helps protect water quality but it can also help prevent flooding.

By EILEEN OAKS
Marketing And Outreach, The Watershed Foundation

NORTH WEBSTER — Autumn marks the beginning of a beautiful season near the lakes. The ground becomes blanketed in crunchy, colorful leaves, and the excitement of summer is replaced by the serenity of chilly nights next to a bonfire.

Many property owners take this time to finish final yard work and appreciate the beauty of the colder season. Getting chores done quickly and with minimal effort is always a priority, but taking care of the environment should also be at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

It can be very tempting to simply use our lakes as nature’s garbage disposal. Some homeowners may assume their leaves don’t make much difference in the big picture, so dumping a few more down the roadside drains or directly into the rivers and lakes can’t cause that much trouble. This common misconception bombards the lake in the fall with bonfire ashes, dead plants, and yard work remnants, introducing more pollution to our waters.

Drains, even miles from our water resources, go directly into our lakes without any type of filtration or cleaning process. Keeping all leaves, limbs and debris cleared away from drains not only helps protect water quality but it can also help prevent flooding. When there is too much debris on or around a storm drain, water can’t flow properly and flooding may result.

Use a rake, broom, or even your hands to keep leaves and other materials clear of the drain.  Leaves and lawn clippings should be bagged or even better, compost it or use it for mulch in your yard. For more information on ways to start your compost, visit KC Recycling Depot’s website, or give them a call at (574) 372-3087.

It is best to check the drain before a rain event to ensure the drain is not blocked or cluttered with things that will wash into the drain when it rains. Remember – nothing but rain down the drain. Interested in claiming a drain as your own to protect and clean? Visit http://indiana.clearchoicescleanwater.org/service/adopt-a-storm-drain to learn more about how you can make this clear choice for clean water!

Why is this so important? Yard debris getting into the lakes can be a major water quality issue. The organic matter builds sediment that fills in the lakes near the shore. Then, as the debris decomposes it causes nutrient overloading in the water, creating next summer’s algae blooms and increasing the growth of nuisance weeds. In certain instances, it also increases the necessity to dredge out parts of the lake. The decomposing plant matter also decreases dissolved oxygen levels that can lead to the death of aquatic organisms like fish.