Every April, Earth Month is celebrated by many communities worldwide, marking the largest civic event on the planet. This initiative encourages billions of people to care for the environment and take action for a brighter future. In Minnesota, April typically brings an abundance of rain. While this rain benefits our environment in several ways, it also carries pollutants into our waterways. There is a common misconception that storm drains on our streets filter water before it enters the environment. In reality, the heavy rains of spring wash away the buildup of snow, trash, and pollutants accumulated during winter, directing them straight into our lakes, rivers, and streams without any treatment.
When it rains, water collects pollutants such as excess leaves and twigs, sediment like sand and dirt, salt from winter deicers, bacteria like E. coli and other pet waste, as well as gas and oil from vehicles. This pollution has severe consequences, leading to the growth of harmful algae, the death of aquatic life, and contamination of our fish and drinking water sources. It is crucial for everyone to understand the steps they can take to reduce pollution in Minnesota’s beautiful waters.
In celebration of Earth Month, we encourage residents to participate in the Adopt-a-Drain program. This simple and low-time-commitment initiative can significantly enhance our environmental health and improve water quality. Follow these four steps outlined by the Adopt-a-Drain website:
- Sign up: Sign up online to Adopt a Drain in your neighborhood at mn.adopt-a-drain.org.
- Keep your drain clear: Sweep leaves, trash, and other debris off the drain surface year-round.
- Track your impact: Estimate how much debris you collect and enter it into your online account so we can gauge the cumulative results of our work.
- Lead by example: Let friends and neighbors know about your commitment and, if they ask, tell them about small things they can do at home to prevent water pollution.