'Adopt a storm drain near you' campaign underway
The campaign, part of the WaterSmart leaves initiative, encourages Hingham residents to clear storm drains of debris during October.
WaterSmart is a nonprofit partnership between the North and South Rivers Watershed Association and 12 South Shore towns, including Hingham, Cohasset, Hull, Hanover, Scituate, Weymouth, and Norwell.
According to the NSRWA website, fall leaves raked or blown into the street can get into storm drains and cause flooding and affect water quality.
- Deteriorating leaves add phosphorus to water bodies, polluting local waters.
- Raking leaves into gardens, flower beds, and out of the way areas helps small animals, bees, and butterflies overwinter.
Author's summary: Residents are encouraged to adopt a storm drain and clear debris.