ADOPT-A-DRAIN

Call to Environmental Action

City street sweeping has begun and spring rains are upon us - cleansing our urban environment.

Unfortunately that also means pollutants are being carried into the Mississippi River from our neighborhood storm sewers. Pollutants include: Grass clippings, pesticides, motor oil, cigarette butts, pet waste, plastic bottles and more.

You can help keep our waterways clean by adopting a storm drain and cleaning it regularly, especially before rains start!

How to sign up

• Sign-up at Adopt-A-Drain website (https://mn.adopt-a-drain.org/)

• Click one of the sign-up links:

  -Enter your address to locate nearby drains

  -Select a storm drain on the map

  -Register your selection and contact info

  -Add a profile picture if desired

• Name your drain

An important part of adopting a drain is tracking your impact (ie. lbs debris collected). Set an intention for how often you plan to report the amount of debris you pick up from the streets and sidewalks around your drain.

How to clean your adopted drain

Visit your drain regularly to remove debris.

• Remove debris from the surrounding drain area. 

• Do not remove the grate.

• If you see material beneath the grate, notify 311.