Storm drains help prevent flooding by draining away to nearby rivers the rain that would otherwise accumulate on paved surfaces. But when storm drains are blocked with leaves, sticks or grass, they cannot work properly. If you spot a clogged storm drain, don’t clear it by pushing the material down the drain. Instead, scoop up the debris and leave it for your yard waste pick up service. When leaves and grass enter storm drains, they negatively impact the water quality of the streams and rivers into which they discharge. Depending the severity of the situation, excess leaves and grass can lead to an overgrowth of algae causing reduced light penetration and dissolved oxygen, both of which are needed for aquatic ecosystems to thrive.