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1. I'm excited to participate! How do I officially adopt a storm drain?

The City of Charleston has created an easy-to-use and mobile friendly web portal that will allow constituents to select a drain of their choice to adopt.  The interactive map shows which drains are available to adopt and where.  

To get started, visit the web portal (available via City of Charleston mobile app): 

https://gis.charleston-sc.gov/adopt-a-storm-drain/ 

In the web portal you can:

• View and adopt available drains
• Review program details
• Read terms and conditions
• Submit Field Inspection Reports

Tips!

• The web portal is both desktop and mobile device friendly!  Consider bookmarking the web portal address and/or adding it to the home screen of your favorite mobile device.  The web portal is also easily available in the City of Charleston mobile app!
• You can use your mobile device to easily complete Field Inspection Reports.  Consider including proud pictures of your drain, both before and after cleanings!

Instructions for easy access to the web portal on a mobile device (pick all 3 options, or choose 1!)

OPTION A: Download the City of Charleston mobile app from your app store.  The web portal is located in the "maps" section.  

OPTION B: Bookmark the page on your favorite browser.

OPTION C: Add the web portal to your mobile device home screen:

On Apple phones/tablets, click the share button, then scroll the bottom reel, past the Copy, Print options and select the + button that says ‘Add to Home Screen’.

On Android devices, click the ‘more’ button, then select the ‘Add to Home Screen’ option.

or visit: https://www.howtogeek.com/196087/how-to-add-websites-to-the-home-screen-on-any-smartphone-or-tablet/

2. Who can adopt a drain?

Anyone!  Individuals, families, businesses, schools, and organizations of all types such as churches, clubs and sports teams.  Users are encouraged to only adopt drains that you or your organization can effectively and reasonably monitor.

3. Can I adopt a drain in an area other than where I live or work?

We encourage users to only adopt storm drains nearby them regularly, such as on their home or business street or on a regular walking route, but a citizen or business may adopt any drain that is currently listed as adoptable on the Adopt-A-Drain website.

4. Is there a limit to the number of drains I can adopt?

There is currently no limit to the number of drains adoptable by one individual or business. However, while we appreciate an adopter’s willingness to adopt multiple drains, we encourage users to only adopt a number that you or your business can effectively and reasonably monitor.

5. Why are some drains not available for adoption?

Currently, the program is only available for drains that are owned and maintained by the City of Charleston and by Charleston County.  SC DOT owns many of the storm drains in the region and at this time has chosen to opt out of participating in the Adopt a Drain program. 

6. How do I access the web portal on my mobile device?

There are three ways to easily access the Adopt-a-Drain web portal on your mobile device.

1. OPTION A:  Download the City of Charleston mobile app from your app store.  The web portal is located in the "maps" section.  
2. OPTION B:  Bookmark the page on your favorite browser.
3. OPTION C:  Add the web portal to the home screen on your mobile device, instructions on how to do this for both Apple and Android devices are below:

On Apple devices, click the share button, then scroll the bottom reel, past the Copy, Print options and select the + button that says ‘Add to Home Screen’.

On Android devices, click the ‘more’ button, then select the ‘Add to Home Screen’ option.

or visit: https://www.howtogeek.com/196087/how-to-add-websites-to-the-home-screen-on-any-smartphone-or-tablet/ 

7. It looks like not all City and County storm drains are showing up on the map for me to adopt. Why is that?

While the City and County do have an extensive digital inventory of storm drains and over 10,000 have been mapped already, we are currently reviewing that inventory and once a drain has been verified by staff, it will be made visible on the Adopt-A-Drain website.  SC DOT owns many of the storm drains in the region and at this time has chosen to opt out of participating in the Adopt a Drain program.

We added a reporting feature for missing drains to the web portal, so now anyone can easily report a missing drain or request one be added to the program.   

8. How can I get a "Don't Pollute" marker for my drain?

Storm Drain Marking Program

You can help let others know “Don’t Pollute, Storm Drains Lead to Waterways!” by adding a marker on your adopted drain.  

It’s easy and free! Storm drain marking program materials are available free of charge upon request.  

To obtain a marker, you may contact Charleston Clemson Extension at:

- (843) 729-4523 (Beatriss Calhoun, Water Resource Agent), or 

- (843) 722-5940 (main office)

Report New Markers

Report any new markers you add by completing a short “Field Inspection Report” in the web portal.  (Simply login and click on your drain!).  

Stormwater vs. Wastewater 

• Stormwater is not treated.  Stormwater is rain water that does not soak into the ground. It flows over roads and parking lots and into storm water drains, which empty directly into waterways.  "All drains lead to the ocean."
• Wastewater, or sewage, comes from drains and toilets in homes and businesses. It’s treated at a wastewater treatment plant before being released back into a waterway.  

9. How often should I clean my adopted drain(s)?

Review the "How To Guidelines".  We recommend that you adopt drains that can be monitored at least once a week, remove debris as needed and/or before a rain or storm event if is safe to do so, and report a drain that is full inside with debris and requires mechanical cleaning. Although not imperative, to help us monitor the success of this program, please periodically submit a Field Inspection Report via the web portal to let us know your drain has been inspected.  

Please remember, each storm drain is located in a unique area and could have unique needs.  Some drains are located nearby trees that shed leaves often or during particular times of year and may need to be monitored more often, while some drains may be in more open areas and that could need less attention.  

10. HOW TO: What are guidelines for inspecting my drain and removing debris?

It’s Easy!  Here’s How It Works!

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!  Let us know you have inspected your drains by periodically submitting a simple “Field Inspection Report” (mobile friendly).  The report is simple and asks whether a drain needed service or not.  You can attach pictures to the report too.  For example, if you service the drain, consider uploading a "before" and "after" image to the report.  

Learn more about the Field Inspection Report

INSPECTION & DEBRIS REMOVAL

• When possible, clear your storm drain prior to, and following, any rainfall.
• Always sweep, rake or shovel glass. Never pick up sharp objects with your hands.
• Never touch hazardous or medical waste including automotive fluids and hypodermic needles. Report these items and anything else that may be hazardous to the non-emergency police number at 843-577-7434.
• Garbage bags, buckets, brooms and landscaping gloves are generally helpful when inspecting and cleaning a storm drain.
• Sweep material away from the storm drain, not into it — and capture it for disposal as you can.
• To the extent possible, place recyclables and garbage into your residential bins (or commercial bins if you’re adopting near your workplace).
• Clear surface debris only; let City of Charleston Stormwater crews handle garbage or hazards inside the catch basin.
  NEVER ATTEMPT TO ENTER INTO A STORM DRAIN.
• Clear debris within the curb area several yards along each side of the storm drain, especially the uphill side.
• Do not use power tools. Carry tools carefully to avoid hitting others. Always use the right tools for the job.
• Please complete and send a Field Inspection Report after inspecting and servicing your adopted drain. Click on your adopted drain send a report.
• Never attempt to clear debris if there is moving water greater than knee deep or that prevents you from having a clear view of the drain.
• Be cautious when walking on potential slippery and uneven surfaces.

GENERAL SAFETY

• Call 911 for emergencies. If injured while volunteering, please immediately seek necessary medical attention.
• Safety comes first!
• Wear durable or heavy, closed toe, shoes/boots, preferably with ankle support.
• Wear gloves and durable pants, tops, jackets, and hats.
• Always stay hydrated.
• Wash hands and any clothing after contact with stormwater runoff, which can contain pollutants, including bacteria. Have first aid supplies available.
• Clear immediately in front of and the area several yards along each side of your adopted storm drain only when safe. If a drain is still clogged after you removed the surface debris, please contact Operations at 843-724-7367 or submit a request online to have the drain mechanically cleaned.
• Make sure an adult is present and supervising any person under the age of eighteen who may be assisting with the inspection and cleaning of a storm drain.
• DO NOT attempt to, remove, lift, move or reset a storm drain grate, cap, or lid. They are very heavy, can cause injury, and most likely will cause an injury.
• Always be courteous to fellow volunteers and neighborhood residents; never use vulgar language or engage in threatening or disruptive actions or conversation.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

• Wear highly visible, brightly colored or reflective clothing to alert traffic and drivers of your presence near the road.
• Where possible, stay out of the street. Work from the sidewalk or curbside and watch for traffic.
• Do not clear drains in the middle of any street.
• Do not inspect or clean drains at night.
• Walk across streets at signals and crosswalks, not mid-block. Always work with a partner.
• Do not go into storm drains and do not block travel lanes.
• Work facing traffic.
• Be aware of your surroundings, make sure to watch for cars; whenever possible, work with a partner who can watch for traffic hazards while you are cleaning the storm drain.

11. Tell me more about the Field Inspection Report, is it easy to fill out?

Yes, the "Field Inspection Report" is simple and mobile device friendly!

Submitting a Field Inspection Report after you inspect and/or service your adopted drain helps us monitor the success of the program and identify how often drains need to be cleaned and where the cleaned drains are located.  

Submitting a report is easy, and you can do it from your favorite mobile device.  In the web portal, simply click on your adopted drain and then click on the button titled "Send Field Report".  

The Field Inspection Report will pre-populate with your Official Drain Identification Number and you simply fill out the date and indicate whether you serviced the drain or if it was already clear upon your inspection.  (you will need to be signed in to your account)

Please upload photos of your drain!  Include "before" and "after" pictures to highlight your efforts!

Field Inspection Report Example

12. My drain is too full to clean manually. What should I do?

For City of Charleston drains:

Please submit a request to have the drain mechanically cleaned using the Citizen Service Desk or call (843) 724-7367.

For Charleston County drains: 

Please contact Charleston County Public Works front desk at (843) 202-7600.

13. When cleaning my adopted drains, how do I know what is trash and what is garbage?

View and or download the flyer from the City's Public Service Environmental Services Division about Garbage, Trash & Refuse.

14. Can I un-adopt my drain?

Yes, after logging in you simply select a drain you have previously adopted and there is an option to un-adopt.

15. Why is it important to keep storm drains clear and clean?

Prevent Blockages

Pollutants such as leaves and litter debris that seem to be in constant movement in wind and water can build up around the surface of storm drains and prohibit stormwater from properly flowing off of streets and sidewalks into drainage infrastructure, ultimately resulting in flooding and ponding around the drain.  On top of surface ponding, when leaves, yard debris, and garbage are able to enter storm drains they can also move into pipes which can become clogged with these pollutants.  Clogged pipes can not only exacerbate flooding but can lead to costly maintenance that could be avoided.  Many pipes lie beneath roadways, making them difficult to access and clean regularly.

Protect Water Quality

When it rains, much of the stormwater travels along the surface of the ground and picks up pollution in its path, including fertilizers and pesticides, motor oil, dirt, pet waste, and garbage.  When this runoff enters storm drains it does not get treated (only wastewater is treated), but instead flows directly to the waterways that we use for fishing, swimming and more.  Adding unnecessary nutrients in the form of leaves, yard debris, or fertilizer to local waterways could lead to algae problems and low levels of oxygen that fish and other sea creatures need to survive.  The EPA actually considers stormwater and the pollution it carries, the greatest threat to the health of our water bodies.