Programs

StormWater Action Teams (SWAT)

Trillions of dangerous bacteria and literally tons of fertilizer and trash reach our local streams every year by way of street-side storm drains. Take action and help keep the storm drains in your neighborhood clean!

Trillions of dangerous bacteria and literally tons of fertilizer and trash reach our local streams every year by way of street-side storm drains. Take action and help keep the storm drains in your neighborhood clean!

Become a Storm Drain Steward!

Storm drains are a normal part of street or parking lot infrastructure and are designed to collect and redirect excess runoff from rainfall or flooding. But when these storm drains are clogged with leaves, debris, and trash, they cannot properly do their job which results in ponding and flooding. Additionally, large amounts of pollutants go down these drains including things such as fertilizer and other yard chemicals, oil, gas and other vehicle fluids, bacteria from dissolved pet waste, and illegal household dumping. This is why we need YOUR help as a Storm Drain Steward to not only keep these storm drains clean but to educate your neighbors, family, and friends on the importance of the storm drains and the risks of anything besides rain going down them!

You can take a simple action pledge to adopt a storm drain in front of your house or work. If you want to make an even bigger difference, adopt a few on your block! Share your choice to adopt a storm drain on social media and encourage your neighbors to follow suit.

Take your leadership to the next level and host a SWAT (StormWater Action Team) event in your neighborhood or with your church, colleagues, or Scout troop!

Hosting a StormWater Action Team Event

Here’s How It Works

As a Storm Drain Steward, you will gather a SWAT for a given day and we will provide the necessary materials. All you need to do is clean storm drains, hang signs to educate and inspire others, have fun, and then report back to us afterward!
Materials will include:

  • Educational door hangers
  • Gloves
  • Bags
  • Safety Vests
  • SWAT Bandanas (with $50 donation to WRA)
  • Temporary Yard Signs (pending right-of-way opportunities)

At the completion of your SWAT event, you will need to properly dispose of all trash collected.

For more information about hosting a SWAT event:

Busy Schedules?

Can’t get everyone together in one day? Consider hosting a multi-day or month long Adopt a Storm Drain effort using the Local Campaign feature inside of the Clear Choices Clean Water program.