Would a storm drain cleanup benefit your community?

Remove trash and debris from storm drains to make sure the grates stay clear of anything blocking the flow of water down the drain. This ensures rainwater can freely flow into the drain, preventing flooding.

The City of Grand Rapids has an Adopt-a-Drain program created to involve residents in the care and maintenance of storm drains in their neighborhoods.  The program allows participants to select a basin or basins in close proximity and then provides them with guidance on the care and maintenance of the catch basin.  This would include regularly checking the adopted basins and keeping the basin grates clear of debris and snow. This project would pair well with a stenciling program.

Approximately $25 for miscellaneous clean-up supplies, including brooms and trash bags

Occasional visits to clear the storm drains.

City (or county) environmental agencies. (In Grand Rapids, this is the Environmental Services Department and the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds.)

• Calculate the amount of material removed from the storm drains
• Observe how often and/or how long there is standing water around the storm drains

• The Freshwater Society has a webpage with information about the benefits of keeping basins clean and suggestions for organizing a community clean-up