Fall leaves might look pretty, but they aren’t a pretty sight for storm drains.
Fall is upon us in Maryland, and that means that we will eventually have to rake the leaves from our yard. Heavy clumps of fall leaves can hurt our lawns, but they can also harm our waterways and sewer systems. Fall leaves can easily slip into the grates and curb inlets that lead to our city’s stormwater systems. Below is a friendly reminder about the relationship between storm drains and fall leaves.
The Dangers of Storm Drains and Fall Leaves
Flooding
Trees have a lot of leaves, and when they fall en mass, they can clump directly over storm drains and into the stormwater system. The leaves could fall into the catch basin, which traps debris to an extent before draining stormwater into the main stormwater line. If there is too much debris, the stormwater could flood the streets and cause significant building damage.
Sewer Backup
A sewer backup is never pleasant. Homes might see and smell a sewer backup if their wastewater does not drain properly into the main sewer line. This scenario is especially possible if the stormwater and sewage systems are combined.
Algae-Infested Waters
If the fall leaves do not clog the waterline and make it into the local rivers, estuaries, etc., they can also cause problems there. Fall leaves release an acid when wet, which can cause an excess amount of phosphorus to be present. The result is a smelly, algae-infested waterway, quite unpleasant for water activities and wildlife.
What You Can Do
Raking the leaves or blowing them away from storm drains is the part that locals can play to keep stormwater systems and communities in good health. Lawns are important, but so are storm drains. Don’t forget to clear this part of the area when you are caring for your property.
Storm Drain Maintenance
There is more to caring for your communities’ waterways and stormwater systems besides its relationship to autumn leaves. Water pipes can eventually crack, clog, etc. Reliable Contracting’s utility division can be your local company for maintaining stormwater systems. We also build stormwater systems such as bioswales and entire stormwater management systems.
ABOUT RELIABLE CONTRACTING
Reliable is dedicated to delivering quality products, displaying professionalism within the firm, seeking new opportunities for expansion and profitability, and providing an environment for individual success. If you have a commercial or residential construction project that you need taken care of, please contact Anne Arundel County’s largest site-work contractor today by calling 410-987-0313 or visiting our website. You can also follow Reliable Contracting on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter!
Reliable Contracting Company serves the following and surrounding counties: Annapolis, Queen Anne’s, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Howard, Prince George, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Washington D.C.