(KNSI) — Just in time for spring cleanup, the city of St. Cloud is reminding residents about the benefits of keeping debris and yard waste away from storm drains.
If they become clogged with branches, grass clippings, and trash, the drains will not be able to work at full capacity and will fail to keep up with strong rain storms. That could mean flooding in the streets, which poses a hazard to drivers and wears down infrastructure faster than expected.
Another possible concern is trash entering local waterways. Storm drains are not treated before dumping into local rivers and streams like sewage is. Most of what goes in will spill out the other end.
St. Cloud recommends enrolling in the Adopt-A-Drain program. So far, across Minnesota, there have been almost 850,000 pounds of debris collected at more than 25,000 drains. The work can be done with a broom, rake, some gloves, and a large bucket or yard waste bag. The program recommends concerning yourself with local residential streets that are lightly traveled. City crews take care of secondary roads and main arteries.
___
Copyright 2025 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.
