Rain in the Forecast Sparks a Reminder to Sweep Up Leaves and Litter

For Immediate Release: Nov. 12, 2020

Contact: Rachel Gordon, (628) 271-3077                                  

Rain in the Forecast Sparks a Reminder to Sweep Up Leaves and Litter

City crews clearing catch basins, offering free sandbags

San Francisco, CA – With wet weather expected to move into the City on Friday to kick off the rainy season, San Francisco Public Works is urging residents and business owners to sweep up leaves and litter from the sidewalk to keep them from clogging catch basins. 

“That simple act can help protect homes and businesses from localized flooding,” said Acting Public Works Director Alaric Degrafinried.

The City maintains 25,000 catch basins, also known as storm drains. When they get blocked by leaves and debris, rainwater runoff can build up and flood nearby streets and properties in low-lying areas. As a reminder, leaves should be placed in the green compost bins, and litter placed in the appropriate blue or black bins – not swept into the street.

Crews from Public Works and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission are on the street to clear drains ahead of the rains; there also are two volunteer opportunities for residents who want to be more actively engaged in keeping the City rain ready:

The Public Works’ Adopt a Street program provides volunteers with tools and supplies to keep their adopted block free of litter and leaves year-round. This not only helps keep neighborhoods looking good but also keeps debris from reaching the storm drains in the first place. For more information, visit sfpublicworks.org/get_involved/adopt-street-program

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s Adopt a Drain program provides participants tools and supplies to keep storm drains free of leaves and debris. They also can name their adopted drain. For more information, visit adoptadrain.sfwater.org. 

In addition, Public Works is again this year providing San Franciscans with up to 10 free sandbags to help residents prepare for storms. The giveaway is intended for people whose properties are prone to flooding. 

Sandbags can be retrieved Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Public Works’ Operations Yard, Marin Street/Kansas Street gate. Bring proof of San Francisco address. Face coverings must be worn at all times at the Operations Yard to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. For more information, visit sfpublicworks.org/sandbags

As a reminder, the public should call the City’s 3-1-1 customer service center to report clogged storm drains, flooding, downed trees and hanging tree limbs.

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