City launches 'Adopt-a-Drain' initiative

The City of Rochester is encouraging residents to ‘Adopt-a-Drain.’

The city recently joined an initiative encouraging residents to look after drains in their neighborhoods. Officials say adopting a storm drain is a tangible way to keep the local water supply clean and safe. Volunteers often spend as little as 30 minutes participating in the program.

Already, there are currently more than 4,000 individuals and groups across Minnesota registered in the Adopt-a-Drain program. The goal is to double membership during the Minnesota State Fair from Aug. 22 to Sept. 2.

Here is more from Rochester Public Works:

Keeping storm drains clean protects local lakes and rivers from polluted storm water runoff that flows unfiltered from our streets into local waterways. In addition to trash, road salt and chemicals, organic debris like leaves and grass clippings also threaten the health of our waters. Decaying leaves and grass that wash into storm drains release nutrients into lakes and rivers that feed excess growth of algae.

To become part of the effort, sign up online at adopt-a-drain.org or visit Adopt-a-Drain in the Eco Experience building at the State Fair. More sign-up events are also being planned. Visit this link for updates.

Cover photo courtesy the City of Rochester