Sweet Water seeks storm drain adopters to protect Milwaukee-area waterways

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A local organization aims to recruit 100 storm drain adopters this fall to help keep local rivers and lakes clean. Maintaining a storm drain prevents pollution from entering waterways and reduces street flooding during heavy rain.

Sweet Water’s watershed program manager, Paige Orals, joined us on Wednesday, Oct. 16 to discuss the importance of community involvement in maintaining water quality.

Adopters check their assigned drain twice a month, removing litter, leaves and debris that collect on or around it. Many residents are unaware that leaves can harm rivers and lakes.

Drains available for adoption are located throughout the Milwaukee area, from Cedarburg to South Milwaukee and from downtown to Wauwatosa. People can also install rain barrels and create rain gardens with native plants to improve water quality.

To adopt a drain, click here and enter a home address to find nearby drains needing caretakers.