Leaves and grass clippings that find their way onto the street can wash into the curb line and storm inlets, clogging the storm sewer, which leads to localized flooding. As the leaves and grass clippings break down, excess phosphorus is released, which combines with rain to send high levels of phosphorus into nearby creeks, ponds and the Rock River. This excess phosphorus contributes to excessive algae and aquatic plant growth, which can result in low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels when the algae and plants die off. Low DO conditions can alter the makeup of fish and aquatic organisms in the waters, as more sensitive or young species are less likely to survive in these conditions.

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