Did you know leaves that collect on our streets every fall can harm our water? More than 50% of the annual amount of phosphorus in urban storm water can come from leaves in the street! When it rains, storm water flows through leaf piles in streets creating a “leaf tea” that is rich in dissolved phosphorus. This "leaf tea" travels through storm sewers making its way to our lakes, rivers, and streams. Too much phosphorus can lead to toxic algae blooms, low oxygen levels and green murky waters, none of which are good for animals living in the water or those of us who use it for recreation.
