The purpose of the Adopt a Drain Program is to encourage City residents to volunteer monitor local storm sewer inlets in an effort to prevent pollutants and debris from entering the storm sewer system.  This program would help to ensure neighborhood drainage systems work as efficiently as possible by keeping the surface of drains and nearby areas clear of leaves, litter, and debris blockages, which simultaneously protects the water quality in our local waterways.  The reported cleaning of inlets would also benefit the City in its annual Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

As part of the program, residents would first need to register and select which drain or drains they plan to monitor and clean.  After review of the registration, a waiver would need to be signed in order to participate in the program.

As part of the Adopt a Drain Program, the City would recommend that residents monitor the adopted storm drains monthly, and before and after storm events. We request that participants complete the Storm Drain Cleaning Log after each monitoring session.

Participants will be required to acknowledge the following guidelines for admittance into the program:

  1. Wear highly visible, brightly colored, or reflective clothing to alert traffic and drivers of your presence near the road.
  2. Where possible, stay out of the street. Work from the curbside and watch for traffic.
  3. Do not inspect or clear drains at night.
  4. Do not go into storm drains and do not block travel lanes.  NEVER ATTEMPT TO ENTER A STORM DRAIN.  Clear surface debris only; let the Public Works crews handle garbage or hazards inside the catch basin – report to the Department of Public Works as part of the inspection report.
  5. Work facing traffic.
  6. 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.
  7. When possible clear your storm drains prior to and following any rainfall.
  8. Always sweep, rake, or shovel glass. Never pick up sharp objects with your hands.
  9. Never touch hazardous or medical waste including automotive fluids and hypodermic needles.
  10. Garbage bags, buckets, brooms, and landscaping gloves are generally helpful when inspecting and cleaning a storm drain.
  11. Sweep material away from the storm drain, not into it – and capture it for disposal as you can.
  12. To the extent possible, place recyclables and garbage into your residential bins.
  13. Collect and put trash in garbage or plastic in recycling. If you have a compost, collect leaves and grass to add to compost or transport to the City Yard Waste Site. Do not place leaves and sticks on adjoining property terrace.
  14. Clear debris within the curb and gutter area several yards along each side of the storm drain, especially the uphill side.
  15. Do not use power tools. Carry tools carefully to avoid hurting others or yourself.
  16. Please complete and send in the Field Inspection Report every month or before and after rain events – link will be provided.
  17. Never attempt to clean debris if there is moving water that prevents you from having a clear view of the drain.
  18. Be cautious when walking on potentially slippery or uneven surfaces.