Winter brings sledding, snowmen and snowshoes. Winter also brings shoveling and snow piles. Still, mud season will be here before we know it, and that means snowmelt. When we finally get that big thaw, whether in February or May, do you ever think about where all that snow goes?

We all want clean water. And many people have done things around their property to prevent polluted stormwater from flowing directly to a lake or stream. But, how often do you think about clean water when many of our lakes and streams are frozen?

Culverts, open-top culverts, waterbars and turnouts all need to be checked on a periodic basis. Sand, leaves, and other debris can clog these structures, rendering them useless. Often we forget about these structures in the winter. There’s no water running, so it doesn’t matter, right?

Wrong. Winter is one of the most critical times to check on your local culvert, storm drain, waterbar, or other water management structure. Have you ever seen a culvert completely full of sand? Without proper maintenance, any system will fail.

Furthermore, stormwater that might normally soak into the ground during the summer will flow over frozen ground in the winter and early spring, carrying dirty meltwater directly to the nearby waterbodies. Increased stormwater runoff coupled with more pollutants can mean hard times for our lakes and streams!

Keep those culverts clear.

A crushed or plugged culvert allows water to back up in roadside ditches, even during normal wet weather. Accumulated winter sand, leaves and other debris can clog culverts and make them unusable. This can create localized flooding and erosion. It also contributes to road deterioration because standing water prevents drainage from the road base. Snow plows are notorious for plowing large piles of snow into ditches, thereby clogging driveway culverts. When you add heavy plow trucks and freeze/thaw cycles, a simple clogged culvert can lead to some pricy repairs in the spring. (Not to mention some serious frost heaves!)

Shovel early and shovel often.

When it comes to snow removal, there is no substitute for muscle and elbow grease. Get out the snow shovel and move as much snow as you can during the storm. This reduces the need for sand and de-icers. If you do choose to use de-icers, remember, a little goes a long way. By limiting the amount of de-icer we use on sidewalks and driveways, we can reduce the amount of polluted stormwater washing into our waterways.

Throw that snow high and away.

Locate snow banks away from storm drains and culverts. By winter’s end, those snow piles also contain salt, sand debris, pet waste, chemicals, metals, and vehicle fluids. Give that snowmelt time to soak into thawing ground rather than sending it directly to water bodies or storm drains. Avoid locating snow banks near streams, ponds or other bodies of water. And don’t throw that snow directly into a body of water!

Go easy on the sand.

Sand doesn’t melt ice. Sand provides traction. When sand is washed off of our driveways and sidewalks into storm drains and roadside ditches, it ends up in our lakes, rivers and streams. This extra sediment can negatively impact important habitats for aquatic organisms. Sediments that enter our streams and lakes via stormwater are a serious issue no matter where you live. There is some evidence that sand products (depending on the source of the sand) can also contain significant levels of phosphorus, and excessive phosphorus can lead to algae blooms in the summer.

Spring sweep.

Sweep up sand in the spring before it is washed away. If it goes down the nearby storm drain, it is a straight shot to your local stream or lake. Remember to dispose of the sand in your garbage, not down the storm drain or by the backyard brook. Even better – save it for next year!

So, go out and enjoy the snow this winter. Just remember, a few simple steps now will ensure you can enjoy Maine’s lakes and streams this summer!

Mary Gilbertson is a water resources specialist at the Portland Water District. She can be reached at mgilbertson@pwd.org.