Trees provide shade, purify the air, absorb rainwater, and create habitat in our urban environments. But leaves can also be a major source of phosphorus to our lakes, rivers, and streams. More than half of the annual amount of phosphorus in urban stormwater comes from autumn leaves. Leaves that fall into the street become a nutrient source as dissolved phosphorus leaches out into stormwater and flows through storm drains to our lakes, rivers, and streams. Once phosphorus reaches our waterways, it can cause excess algae growth and lead to toxic blooms. Removing leaves from the street before a rain event can make a big difference – up to an 80% reduction in phosphorus!
Sign up to receive email or text alerts before it rains as a reminder to remove leaves from the street in front of your home. Alerts are issued a day or two before forecasted rain to remind residents to remove leaves away from storm drains and out of the street. Alerts are issued
October 1
st
– November 30
th
. Take action today to do your part in reducing phosphorus reaching our waterways!
