As the leaves fall, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is urging residents to make sure they are properly disposing of leaves and keeping them away from storm drains.
When leaves are blown or swept into the storm drains, they can clog drainage systems and cause localized flooding and release nutrients into waterways as they decompose and can contribute to algae growth and lower water quality.
The conservation authority also says to utilize local household hazardous waste collections days while cleaning out the garage and sheds and to never use storm sewers to pour your paints, oils, cleaners and pesticides.
