Charleston Adopt-a-Drain Program – What you need to know
You Can Help!
The Adopt-a-Drain program allows local citizens or organizations to “adopt” a storm drain to help protect their nearby drains from unwanted debris, pollutants or blockages.
A Community Effort
The familiar phrase “of the people, by the people, for the people” comes from Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address. It describes democracy as a system grounded in citizenship and public participation. The path to resilience is similar in the sense that we are all stakeholders and, therefore, have a role to play. Each of us can reduce or prevent flooding in our own way.
One way is by clearing debris and litter from entry points to storm drains. These pollutants can build up and prohibit stormwater from properly flowing off of streets and sidewalks, ultimately resulting in flooding. In addition, clearing debris helps to prevent unnecessary nutrients in the form of leaves, yard debris and fertilizers from contaminating waterways.
Join the Initiative
Within a few short steps from your home or business, a storm drain is likely in need of your support. Anyone can adopt! Individuals, families, businesses, schools, and organizations of all types such as churches, clubs and sports teams, who feel they can effectively and reasonably monitor a drain.
Benefits of Adopting a Storm Drain
- Help Reduce or Prevent Flooding
Clogged storm drain inlets can cause or worsen flooding. Keeping drains free of debris will help water drain properly. - Help Protect Our Waterways from Pollution
Stormwater flows to waterways untreated and is the #1 contributor of pollution to our waters. By keeping litter and pollutants out of storm drains you are helping protect the area’s water bodies. - Help Keep Your Neighborhood Clean and Free of Litter
Set a positive example by being an active steward of your neighborhood.
A drain in need of adopting
It’s Easy! Here’s How It Works
1 – 2 – 3!
- Monitor the adopted drain weekly and remove debris on and around the drain as needed- particularly before a rain or storm event if it is safe to do so.
- Clear debris within the curb area several yards along each side of the storm drain, especially an uphill side where debris will likely flow towards the drain.
- Report your efforts to let us know you have inspected and/or serviced your drain by periodically submitting a simple “Field Inspection Report” (mobile friendly!) Learn More about reporting.
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