Anoka County residents have prevented nearly 350 pounds of algae from growing in our lakes and streams by doing this one simple thing: Adopting a Storm Drain!
Trash and decaying organic debris like fallen leaves are harmful to lakes, rivers, and streams. As leaves decompose, the resulting nutrients fuel algae growth. The unsightly algae blooms can cover the surface of polluted lakes, sucking oxygen out of the water and choking fish and native plants. Keeping leaves and other pollution out of our storm drains helps keep our lakes and rivers clean and clear.
Since the start of the Adopt a Drain program, over 7,400 people have adopted drains throughout Minnesota and collectively prevented 250,000 pounds of pollution from getting into our waters. This is the largest community engagement program of its type in the entire United States!
Getting involved is simple and only takes a few minutes. Just follow these steps:
1. Adopt an available storm drain near you at www.Adopt-a-Drain.org
2. Gather the tools you'll need. These might include: gloves, rake, trash grabber, dust pan, safety vest, bins for separating waste, yard and/or trash bag
3. Collect and separate trash and recycling from the area around your adopted drain
4. Rake or sweep up leaves, sediment, and sticks and place in compost or yard waste bag
5. Report the debris you collect on www.Adopt-a-Drain.org
To learn more and sign up, visit www.Adopt-a-Drain.org
Photo credit: CleanWater MN