During the fall, leaves and other debris drop onto our roads and cover our storm drains. This debris can clog the drains and prevent stormwater from moving away from your property, leaving your neighborhood at risk for flooding. Many residents mistakenly blow or sweep their fallen leaves into the street, not realizing they become a safety and stormwater hazard to their property and neighborhood.

Bothell city crews do their best to sweep and clear the street, but with over 8,000 storm drains in the city, it’s no simple task.

The great news is residents can help. There are many ways to safeguard yourself and your community:

• Rake leaves into your yard waste bin

• Use leaves as mulch on garden beds and landscaped areas

• Join the Adopt-A-Drain Program and pledge to remove leaves from at least four storm drains in your area (extra yard waste bags are available through the program by contacting Janet Geer at 425-486-2768 ext. 4416 or janet.geer@ci.bothell.wa.us)

• Tell your friends and neighbors how they can help themselves and their community

Adopt-A-Drain Program

The city of Bothell will provide you with simple instructions and equipment to help clear vulnerable areas when the leaves are falling or before projected major storm events.

Adopt-A-Drain is a great service project for a family, school group, scout troop or neighborhood community. For more information, please visit www.bothellcool.org or contact Janet Geer at janet.geer@ci.bothell.wa.us