Lake Champlain needs YOU to Adopt-a-Drain! Adopt-a-Drain is an exciting new initiative in Chittenden County that made its debut on Earth Day 2022.
Storm drains flow directly to lakes and streams, acting as a conduit for trash and organic pollutants. Adopt-a-Drain asks residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution. We hope that this will engage residents and lead to cleaner waterways and healthier communities.
Rethink Runoff, an ongoing awareness and public outreach effort to reduce dirt and pollutants in stormwater runoff in the Lake Champlain Basin, has partnered with Hamline University (located in Saint Paul, Minnesota) to launch Adopt-a-Drain in Vermont. Currently, the program has been adopted by five municipalities including Burlington, Colchester, Essex Town, Essex Junction, and Milton. The Adopt-a-Drain program has also been adopted by communities in Minnesota, Washington State, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
Volunteers choose how frequently to clear their drain and report how much debris is collected. They receive a welcome packet, small yard sign, and the clever perk of getting to name the drain. A few early adopters include punny names like Obi-Wan-Drainobi, R2Drain2 and Brain Drain.
We hope that you'll consider adopting a drain in your neighborhood. Visit vt.adopt-a-drain.org to adopt your drain today. Please reach out to acostandi@essex.org or 802-878-1344 with any questions.