Thanks to our partnership with Toledo Public Schools through the Maumee F.L.O.W.S. project, 3 classes have gone out to mark 65 storm drains this school year, spreading the word that taking care of storm drains has a direct impact on our waterways. Read on to learn about our storm drain marking program and how you can participate.

Storm drains redirect water from paved areas like parking lots, roads, and sidewalks, which allows runoff water from these surfaces to quickly reach the nearest waterway. This prevents flooding, which is a good thing! However, not everyone knows that all water that enters a storm drain goes straight into the nearest ditch, creek, stream, or river – untreated. That means anything on the roadway (like antifreeze, oil, excess fertilizer, or lawn debris) can make its way from a storm drain directly into our waterways.

As part of the Give Water a Hand Campaign, our Storm Drain Marking program connects municipalities, citizens, and active volunteers to protect our drinking water. Throughout late spring and summer, volunteers mark storm drains with the phrase “Drains are for Rain, Flows to Waterway” with stencils or “No Dumping, Drains to Lake” adhesive medallions, as well as distribute educational door tags in the surrounding neighborhood. Marking storm drains is an effective way to educate people about possible water contamination through the misuse of storm drains.

Want to schedule a storm drain marking program for a group? Storm drain marking can be done whenever there is warm, dry weather. This program is a great youth learning opportunity; we recommend it for ages 10 and up. We provide all equipment and training. To participate, contact our office or fill out the online registration form so we can arrange a location and time for your group. We look forward to your help in sharing this important message!