Great Bend Post
The rain will eventually come – maybe – but the return of warmer weather means the return of mowing season. The city of Great Bend recently published some simple tips to help keep the city’s stormwater infrastructure in working order.
Stormwater, which is any water that flows over the ground, can pick up debris, litter, fertilizer, and pesticides used for lawn care. As that stormwater flows through street gutters and down drains, it can eventually pollute rivers, lakes, and streams.
Removing only one-third of the grass blade and leaving the clipping on the lawn allows nutrients to return to the soil and prevents larger clippings that can clog up stormwater drains.
Grass experts have long encouraged residents to use natural methods to control weeds in the yard. Those using pesticides and fertilizers should use them sparingly and read the label before applying them. Avoid using these chemicals on the pavement or before a predicted rain, as that increases the likelihood of the chemicals being washed downstream.
Only rain in the drain. Residents should not sweep or hose lawn debris down storm drains, as this can cause floods and polluted waterways.
Finally, pointing sprinklers toward the lawn and away from cement is not only economical, but can also prevent chemicals and debris from being washed down storm drains.