Water Wise: Help Keep Storm Drains Clear

Leaves and grass clippings can clog our storm drains and sewer pipes, blocking the flow of water and worsening flooding during heavy rains.
Leaves crowding over a storm drain.

Please take the following precautions to help protect and maintain our water and sewer infrastructure this fall.

  • Don’t rake or blow leaves or grass clippings into the street.
  • Don’t dump yard waste or trash near or into storm drains.
  • Place your leaves in a bag for curbside yard debris collection or compost them at home.
  • If you have a mulching lawnmower, use it to recycle leaves and their nutrients into your lawn.
  • Fertilize lawns in the fall to prevent nutrients washing away during spring rains. Use slow-release and organic fertilizers, which are less likely to wash away.

If you see a clogged or broken storm drain, please call Dispatch at 412-255-2423 (Press 1). For more information, please visit our Storm Drains website.