With its lakes, streams, waterfalls and the Mississippi River Minneapolis is a city that prides itself on natural water. Big part of protecting our waterways is right here on our city, streets leaves dirt garbage and anything that gets left on. The street can wash down storm drains and go straight to our lakes and the river. That's where our street sweepers come into play, sweeping our streets, Parkway's and alleys, makes our neighborhoods cleaner and more livable.

It also picks up litter and dirt before it can wash down our storm drains and into our waterways you'll spot street sweeping equipment at work throughout the warmer months. Also twice a year, we sweep every street in the city curb to curb in spring to pick up sand and salt used on roadways, as well as any litter from the winter and in fall to collect, leaves and give the streets a final cleaning before the snow flies.

During these two citywide sweeps look for these temporary no parking signs, they're posted along a street 24 hours before it's scheduled to be swept. The signs will tell you when not to park along the street, so crews can sweep the roadway. The city of Minneapolis website can also help you follow the rules there. You can look up any Street to find out when it's scheduled to be swept avoid a ticket in tow and help keep our city clean by following no parking signs. Also remember to do your part. Never rake leaves into streets.

It's illegal and harmful to the environment, never put anything down a storm drain, not even water. For rinsing off your car. Only rain should go down a storm drain for more information check out the city of Minneapolis website.