The city stormwater division is encouraging residents who are doing fall yard chores to avoid dumping substances into stormwater inlets, open channels or other drainage ways.
Stormwater is not treated before it enters creeks and rivers, and pollutants transported by stormwater can have a negative impact on the quality of waterways, officials said.
It is a violation of city code to rake fallen yard leaves into the street and open burning of leaves, grass clippings and vegetation grown on property is only permitted within city limits between Nov. 15 and March 15 during daylight hours.