Dear Sam,
I’ve been noticing a lot of leaves and debris piling up around the storm drain near my house, and it got me thinking. I know these drains lead directly to our beloved Lake Harriet and Minnehaha Creek. Still, I don’t know how to care for them properly. I understand they’re important for managing rainwater runoff and I want to ensure I do my part to keep our waterways clean. How can I earn a superhero cape and impress my neighbors?
Also, I heard a rumor about some kind of storm drain adoption program. Is that a real thing? If so, I’d love to learn more!
Sincerely,
Stormy Weather
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Dear Stormy Weather,
It sounds like you are already a hero and are absolutely right not to rake your yard waste into the street. But you can be a SUPER-hero by adopting a storm drain to care for and protect our lakes, creek, and even the Mississippi River! With or without a cape, we all can earn superhero status by learning about our storm drains and then adopting one. Your role in this is crucial and we appreciate your efforts in keeping our waterways clean.
What’s the big deal?
Anything that goes down those drains – leaves, trash, pet waste, chemicals – ends up in our lakes and creek. Yuck! You become a local water quality guardian by adopting and keeping a storm drain clean.
Why should you be a clean water warrior?
- Cleaner Water: Less trash and pollutants mean healthier habitats for fish, birds, and all the critters that call our lake and creek home.
- Happier Lakes and Creek: A cleaner environment is more enjoyable for everyone who loves to swim, fish, kayak, or relax by the water.
- Community Pride: By actively protecting our natural resources, you’re not just a local hero – you’re a community leader.
- Bragging Rights: You’ll be a local hero!
What Does Adopting a Storm Drain Involve?
It’s easy! All you have to do is:
- Commit to clearing leaves, trash, and debris from the storm drain and the immediate surrounding area once or twice a month, depending on the season.
- Keep an eye out for illegal dumping and report anything suspicious.
- Spread the word! Tell your neighbors about the importance of keeping our storm drains clean. Take a picture of yourself stenciling or cleaning up your drain and post it —-where?
Only rain in the drain!
Let’s keep these items far, far away from our storm drains:
- Pet Waste: Always pick up after your furry friends! Pet waste should always be bagged and put in the trash.
- Chemicals: Never pour oil, paint, pesticides, or other hazardous substances down the drain. You should bring these items to one of the hazardous waste facilities in Hennepin County. The Bloomington drop-off site at 1400 W. 96th St. is only 11 minutes away.
- Yard Waste: Leaves, grass clippings, and branches belong in your yard waste collection.
- Trash: Even small pieces of litter like bottle caps and candy wrappers add up! All litter, including these small items, should be picked up and disposed of properly so they don’t pollute our waterways with trash and microplastics.
How to Adopt Your Drain:
Ready to become a superhero? First, visit mn.adopt-a-drain.org and click the ‘Adopt a Drain’ button. Second, enter your street address to show unadopted drains near you. Third, click on the drain you’d like to adopt, and a pop-up will appear with an ‘Adopt Drain‘ button which will take you to the sign-up page. Once you’ve adopted your drain, Adopt-a-Drain will send you all the information you need to start. As a bonus, you get to name your drain and have it noted on their online map.
Let’s work together to keep our lakes and creek clean and beautiful for generations!
Sustainably,
Sam