Adopt-a-Drain

NOW EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CHARLESTON COUNTY DRAINS TOO!

The Adopt-a-Drain program allows local residents and organizations to “adopt” storm drains to help protect nearby drains from unwanted debris, pollutants or blockages.

This program helps to ensure neighborhood drainage systems work as efficiently as possible by keeping the surface of drains clear of leaves and litter debris blockages, which simultaneously protects water quality.   Adopt now!

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Adopt-a-Drain Today! 

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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 and drain inlets free from 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
    Show community pride and set a positive example by being an active steward of your neighborhood.

A drain in need of adopting

Leaves partially over storm inlet

It's Easy!  Here's How It Works

1 - 2 - 3!
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

View complete HOW TO instructions and guidelines

Consider adopting a drain in your neighborhood!    

It is a great way to show neighborhood pride and responsibility in helping to protect water quality, manage stormwater, and minimize flooding!

Clogged Drain (before adoption and cleaning)

drain-clogged

Cleared Drain (after adoption and cleaning)

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adopt-a-drain-logo with Adopt This Drain text

"A drain can be cleared one day, and blocked by leaves or  litter the next. 

With thousands of these inlets throughout the region, crews are in a never-ending battle to keep the storm drains clean, and can use all the help they can get."


Leaves and Litter are On-The-Move!

Leaf blowers, slight winds and flowing water are a few common ways leaves and litter make their way into our streets and ultimately storm drains.

While storm drains undergo intense routine cleaning by City and County maintenance crews, (such as using Vacuum Trucks to clear sediment and debris that enters), you can help bridge the gap between routine maintenance by helping to prevent debris from entering drains to begin with and ensuring stormwater can flow into drains easily.

 Inverted Logo Adopt a Drain    Ready to get started?     CLICK HERE To Adopt a Drain Today!    Inverted Logo Adopt a Drain

A Mobile Friendly Web Portal is Easy-to-Use!

monitor Adopt a Drain

Related Documents

  1. Adopt-A-Drain Flyer
  1. I'm excited to participate! How do I officially adopt a storm drain?
  2. Who can adopt a drain?
  3. Can I adopt a drain in an area other than where I live or work?
  4. Is there a limit to the number of drains I can adopt?
  5. Why are some drains not available for adoption?
  6. How do I access the web portal on my mobile device?
  7. It looks like not all City and County storm drains are showing up on the map for me to adopt. Why is that?
  8. How can I get a "Don't Pollute" marker for my drain?
  9. How often should I clean my adopted drain(s)?
  10. HOW TO: What are guidelines for inspecting my drain and removing debris?
View All

For those interested in joining the initiative or already participating in their own neighborhoods, the Adopt-A-Drain Pilot Project offers additional resources for personal safety, tips on inspecting and cleaning a drain, and forums to report issues.  Your safety and enjoyment are important to us. All volunteers are urged to participate in a safe, courteous and legal manner while participating in activities on public property or the public rights-of-way. All volunteers must follow the guidelines when volunteering in order to promote a successful Storm Drain Adoption experience and to protect the safety of the volunteer.

Public data made available on this web page is provided for informational purposes only.

Important Disclaimer

The data contained herein is provided "as is" and the City of Charleston explicitly disclaims any representations and warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. Without limiting the foregoing, the City of Charleston makes no warranty, representation, or guaranty as to the content, sequence, accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of any information provided herein or derived from the data for any reason. The City of Charleston assumes no responsibility or legal liability concerning the data's accuracy, reliability, completeness, timeliness, or usefulness, or for any decision made or action taken or not taken by anyone using or relying upon the data provided. The user assumes the risk of using this data and knowingly waives any and all claims for damages of any kind whatsoever against any and all of the entities comprising the City of Charleston arising out of, or in connection with, use of the data. This data has been compiled from a variety of sources and is subject to change at any time without prior notice from the City of Charleston.

This web page may provide links to other third-party websites which are not under the control of the City of Charleston. The City of Charleston takes no responsibility for the content in these linked websites and the inclusion of the links does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by the City of Charleston of the information and views contained therein.

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