In light of fall weather, the City of Plymouth is encouraging residents to adopt a storm drain and keep the streets free of leaves, sticks and debris.

Residents who clean debris from their neighborhood storm drains provide a valuable service to Plymouth. They help reduce clogging and flooding in the street and protect lakes and streams throughout the city.

Blowing or raking leaves into the street is in violation of city ordinances and makes the street-sweeping process difficult in the spring.

“When leaves and sticks make it into the lakes, streams and wetlands, they add excess nutrients to the water which enables algae to flourish,” said Water Resources Manager Derek Asche. By removing foreign materials from storm drains, residents help to protect these water resources from the damaging effects of nutrients and other pollutants.

It’s easy to do … Residents just need a rake or broom and some gloves. Sticks and leaves can be deposited at the Plymouth Yard Waste Site, 14900 23rd Ave. N., while litter can be trashed or recycled.

To adopt a storm drain, call Volunteer Coordinator Jackie Maas at 763-509-5230 or email jmaas@plymouthmn.gov.

City Loans Storm Drain-Marking Kits to Residents
The city has kits available on loan to residents to help mark storm drains in their neighborhoods. The message – no dumping, drains to lake – is one that the city uses to educate residents about storm drains and their relationship to water quality.

The kits are comprised of a 4-by-4 inch plastic button, an adhesive, a toolbox, instructions and a mesh brush for sweeping away loose gravel and sediment from the curb.

For more information or to borrow a storm drain-marking kit, call Water Resources Technician Ben Scharenbroich at 763-509-5527. Kits can be picked up at City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd.