Storm Drain Wise

Are you Storm Drain Wise? Learn more about the harmful effects caused by stormwater runoff pollution that goes untreated from the storm drain to our waterways and what you can do to be Storm Drain Wise to Protect Wisconsin’s Waterways!

How does keeping your storm drain clean protect our waterways?

Did you know that water and other pollutants that go down a storm drain go untreated directly into our waterways? Be Storm Drain Wise and help keep your neighborhood and our local waterways looking great.

Stormwater runoff is one of the biggest contributors of pollution to our waterways! Rain and snowmelt runoff washes leaves, grass clippings, trash, dirt, fertilizer, pesticides, road salt, pet waste, and other pollutants directly into the nearest waterway.

Combined, these items create a toxic environment in the waterways that have negative effects on aquatic and other wildlife that rely on our waterways. Plus, leaves and other debris can clog the storm drain and cause flooding during rainstorms and after snow melts. Adopt a storm drain today by preventing pollution from your property from going down the storm drain!

What should you do to keep your storm drain clean?

• Check the storm drain and clean it prior to any forecasted rain, or at least once a month
• Keep the storm drain grates clear to prevent clogging and eliminate street flooding
• Clean the gutter at least 5 feet on both sides of the storm drain
• Report damage, unlawful dumping, or other major issues to your municipality
• Track how much debris you remove to see how you are making a difference

Tell us how you are making a difference as a Storm Drain Protector!

Fill out this form each time you clean your storm drain so we can track how community members like you are making a difference!