City of Albert Lea Leaf Collection 2006

The falling autumn leaves can be a beautiful symbol of the changing seasons. Beautiful, that is, until you have to clear them out of your yard or garden.

What many people don’t know is that Albert Lea’s storm sewers are directly connected to the lakes. Leaves can wash down these drains and end up decomposing.  As the leaves decompose, they release nutrient. Excess nutrients provide a medium that algae can bloom. Because of this, the Shell Rock River Watershed District partnered with the City of Albert Lea to purchase a leaf collection truck designed to collect leaves off of Albert Lea resident’s curbs.