Draper City is encouraging residents to participate in its Adopt-a-Storm-Drain program this fall to help keep local neighborhoods and waterways clean. The initiative asks volunteers to check on their adopted drains to prevent autumn leaves and other debris from entering the storm system.
According to a notice from Draper City, storm drains typically carry stormwater directly to local waterways, such as canals, creeks, and the Jordan River, without treatment. When organic matter like grass clippings, soil, twigs, and fallen leaves enter these drains, they can be carried into these waterways.
This decomposition can impact local ecosystems by consuming dissolved oxygen that fish and other aquatic life require to survive. Additionally, the release of nutrients from decomposing plant debris can promote algae growth and potentially contribute to harmful algal blooms.
Accumulated debris around or on storm drain grates can also block water flow, which may contribute to localized flooding. To assist with maintenance, the city asks volunteers to inspect their adopted storm drains at least once a month during the autumn season.
When inspecting drains, the city advises residents to work from a safe location away from traffic. Residents should never attempt to lift a grate, reach inside a drain, or enter a storm drain. Serious blockages or hazardous materials should be reported to the Draper City Storm Drain Division.
The city provides a map of available storm drains on its website for those interested in the program. To participate, individuals can visit the Draper City Adopt-a-Storm-Drain program page, select an available drain from the map, and submit an adoption application.
After checking a drain, volunteers are asked to submit a brief update via the Draper City Adopt-a-Storm-Drain Map. Even if no cleaning was required, these updates help the city track volunteer activity and the specific types of debris being removed.
Residents who do not adopt a storm drain can still assist by remaining aware of the impacts debris has on storm drains, keeping an eye on drains near their homes, and reporting issues to help maintenance efforts.
