We protect our water

Sweep up! Rake up! Pick up!

Adopt a Drain

We're making a difference! Join us!

3,017 lbs* debris collected
280 drains adopted
179 adopters

*Report your work so we can better track our impact!

How to adopt a storm drain

Volunteer fifteen minutes, twice a month, for cleaner waterways and healthier communities. Storm drains flow directly to lakes and streams, acting as a conduit for trash and organic pollutants. Adopt-a-Drain asks residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution.

Sign up

Sign up online to adopt a drain in your neighborhood.

Keep your drain clear

Sweep leaves, trash and other debris off the drain surface year round.

Track your impact

Keep an estimated total of the debris you collect and enter it into your online account so we can gauge the cumulative results of our work.

Lead by example

Let friends and neighbors know about your commitment and, if they ask, tell them about small things they can do at home to prevent water pollution.

Drain clearing tips

Select each number for safety information and tips

Prevent runoff pollution

Four tips for everyday pollution prevention

Rain washes anything that’s on streets and paved surfaces down storm drains and into lakes and streams. Help keep our water clean!

Leaves, grass and dirt feed algae and turn lakes and rivers green. Keep them off streets and sidewalks.

Trash clogs drains and pipes, causing flooding. Put it in a garbage bin.

Salt is almost impossible to remove from waterways. Just one teaspoon pollutes five gallons of water forever. Use it sparingly. Sweep up and reuse extra. Use sand when temperatures fall below 15 degrees.

Dog poop carries harmful bacteria. Pick up after your pet.

Track Impact

Reporting only takes a few minutes

Log in to estimate the amount of debris collected from your storm drain. Report after each cleaning, once a month, or once a year - whatever works for you.

Track Impact
Adopt-a-drain logo
Hamline University, 1536 Hewitt Ave. MS-A1760, Saint Paul, MN 55104
[email protected]