News Article

Archived News Release: October 1, 2024 - ​Fall in Ann Arbor means beautiful colors and trees shedding their leaves. While a lovely time of year, this can result in clogged storm drains. Some advice to help avoid this problem:

• Never blow or rake leaves into the street
• Consider using a mulching lawn mower to help leaves become fertilizer
• Build a compost pile using fall leaves as one of the components.
• Use paper yard bags or compost carts for curbside pickup service of fall leaves.
• For more information on leaf cleanup, visit a2gov.org/compost

Most importantly, handling fall leaves properly plays an important role in dealing with the abundance of rain that falls in Ann Arbor. Storm drains move water from streets into the city's stormwater system, which deposits that water into the Huron River. But storm drains only work when they are free of debris, especially leaves.

Consider adopting a storm drain in your neighborhood as a great way to spend time outdoors while helping contribute to cleaner, safer water in the community. Take part in protecting local rivers and streams, and reducing localized flooding, by adopting a storm drain today!