Help Keep Storm Drains Clean and Clear

It’s that time of year again. Maine’s trees have lost their colorful leaves and winter is coming.

Help keep your storm drain clear by sweeping or raking the leaves out of the storm drain and along the road. Check the leaves for litter before composting or bagging them for disposal. In some locations, the street sweepers will clear the storm drains of leaves for you but the road will need to be clear of parked cars so the sweeper can reach them.

Storm drains function best when they are clear of leaves, litter, sediment, and other items that block water from flowing down into the pipes below. When storm drains get blocked, the water backs up, flooding the roads and creating driving hazards.