Summer rains will hopefully be here soon, bringing with them the potential for flooding. Litter, yard debris, and other objects can block the roadside inlets that route excess rainfall away from our homes. Keeping these storm drains clear is always important, but it becomes critical during the summer rainy season.
Florida’s Rainy Season and Our Stormwater System
Sarasota County receives an average of 52 inches of rain per year. Over 60% of that total rainfall (about 32 inches) arrives between June and September. During the summer, rainfall averages around 8 inches per month. The rest of the year, monthly rainfall averages around 2-3 inches.
All that rain needs to go somewhere, and that’s where our stormwater system comes into play. In Sarasota County, and throughout Florida, a specific stormwater system manages heavy rainfall. This is separate from the sewer system that moves wastewater to treatment plants. The stormwater system takes in rainwater through roadway drains and inlets. The water then moves through pipes into a series of ditches, basins, and ponds. After moving through the system, the water is released into local surface waters. Along the way, neighborhood ponds have the important job of capturing stormwater to help reduce summer flooding.
How Yard Debris Blocks Storm Drains
A stormwater system needs clear inlets to work correctly. When engineers build communities, they carefully plan the roadways and infrastructure to route rainfall into these inlets. However, simple blockages can easily undo all that careful planning.
Yard debris is a common cause of blocked storm drains. The rainy season and the growing season go hand-in-hand, so we naturally have the most yard debris just when we need our drains to work best. Sudden rain and strong wind can sweep away piles of leaves, twigs, branches, and grass clippings, blocking nearby inlets. When yard debris blocks storm drains, the risk of neighborhood flooding rises.
How to Properly Dispose of Yard Waste
Sarasota County collects yard waste for residents every week. Yard waste includes grass clippings, leaves, shrub trimmings, palm fronds, and small branches. Place these items at the curb for collection, separate from your garbage and recycling. You must put all yard waste in reusable containers or paper bags. Each item must be less than 4 feet long, weigh less than 40 pounds, and be 16 inches or less in diameter. Sarasota County does not pick up yard waste left in plastic bags. Visit the Sarasota County “Leaf It Out” page to learn more about the yard waste collection process.
Other Causes of Blocked Drains
Storms can wash or blow many everyday items into drains, not just yard waste. Before a major storm, walk around your property and secure any lightweight items, as they frequently end up in our waterways. Common items include toys, planter pots, lawn chairs, and outdoor furniture.
Plastic makes up most of these items, which clogs our storm drains and causes major issues in our waterways. Plastic breaks down into smaller pieces called microplastics. This pollution can degrades water quality and harm wildlife that often mistake plastic pollution for food. Ahead of stormy weather, bring loose yard items indoors and dispose of debris properly. Before a hurricane or tropical storm, use ratchet straps to fasten large items like patio umbrellas and trash cans to a sturdy tree or fence.
Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process
During the preparation of this work, the author used AI to optimize accessibility and improve organizational flow. After using this tool/service, the author reviewed and edited the content, and takes full responsibility for the content of the publication
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