How often should I clean my storm drain?

It depends. Usually about once a month is sufficient; but during early spring and autumn, storm drains generally need more attention than they do in mid-summer. On average, cleaning a storm drain takes about 15 minutes per month.

How much should I clean?

Cleaning the area on and around the grate for about 6 feet on either side is suggested. Remember that water flows downhill, so pay special attention to the area “upstream” from the grate. Remember that anything that lands on impervious surfaces like roofs, sidewalks, and parking lots ultimately ends up in our storm drains. Keeping all of those areas swept up and free of debris is important too.

What tools do I need?

Simple tools like a broom, rake, dustpan, and bag are all you really need. Extras like gloves and a trowel can also be helpful, especially when grates are compacted with wet leaves and dirt. A wagon can be helpful transporting tools and full bags of waste. If your drain is along a busy street, cones and reflective vests can also increase visibility and keep you safe.

How should I dispose of the materials I collect?

Recycle everything that you can. Natural debris, like leaves, sticks, and grass can be disposed with your City of Minneapolis yard waste collection. Other materials like sand absorb pollutants like motor oil and should be disposed of with trash.

What do I do if I find a storm drain completely blocked, even after I clean the grate on the surface?

First, NEVER remove the grate to clean below the surface! Sometimes storm drains can get blocked. If you notice such a storm drain, call 311 to report the problem and the City will send a crew out to address the issue.

Are there other ways I can help keep the Mississippi River healthy?

Yes! There are so many things we can do as individuals to protect our water. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Pick up pet waste. Bacteria and excess nutrients in our pet’s waste can contaminate water. This is especially important in the spring as snow and ice melts and carries pollutants from pet waste into our waterways or infiltrates into our groundwater.

• Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing and sweep them up from sidewalks. Grass clippings are full of the nutrients that lawns love and are released back into the soil as they decompose. Those same nutrients, though, on our sidewalks get swept up into our storm drains when it rains and can lead to harmful algae blooms in our lakes and rivers.

• Trash walks! When out for a stroll, bring along a bag and collect plastic and trash that you encounter. Not only is all that garbage unsightly on our streets, but it also harms our wildlife. Over time, those plastics get ground into smaller and smaller pieces to become the micro plastics we’re finding in our soil and aquatic life.

• Be a good neighbor. How we care for our yards can have a big impact on our water. To find out more tips about year-round yard care, check out Mississippi Watershed Management Organization’s Good Neighbor Guide.

• Use salt sparingly. One teaspoon of salt permanently contaminates 5 gallons of water. Everyone wants our neighbors to be safe walking our sidewalks in the winter, but did you know that there are other ways to keep our neighbors safe and our water healthy too? Sometimes salt doesn’t even work on our super cold Minnesota days. Find out more about salt alternatives.