Adopt A Storm Drain


Fitchburg Residents and Groups Are Helping to Keep Storm Drains and Waterways Clean through the Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program

More than 30 adopters have already committed to regularly clearing Fitchburg storm drains of leaves, grass, trash, snow and other debris through the Dane County Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program. This simple act can help prevent localized flooding and keeps our lakes, rivers and streams clean. Storm drains help transport runoff from roofs, driveways, streets and other hard surfaces to underground pipes or storm sewers that eventually make their way to our lakes, rivers and streams. Unfortunately, that runoff also carries pollutants to our waters. Keeping storm drains clean can help protect our waters! Fitchburg already encourages residents to keep streets free of leaves, but adopting a storm drain is another step you can take to limit possible negative impacts on local water systems.


It’s easy! Here’s how it works.

  1. Adopt a nearby storm drain using the Dane County Adopt-A-Storm Drain App.
  2. Commit to safely cleaning the area on and around the adopted storm drain at least once a month, but preferably before every large rain event.
  3. Report the amount and type of debris after each cleaning using the Adopt- A-Storm Drain App. 
  4. Report any spills/discharges washing down the storm drain.

All volunteers will be provided a Storm Drain Cleaning Kit that includes: a safety vest, storm drain decal to place on their adopted storm drain, dust pan and broom, collection bucket, and an Adopt-A-Storm Drain sticker to proudly display. Volunteers will also be included on our Adopt-A-Storm Drain e-Newsletter, which comes out 3-4 times/year. Adopt a local storm drain and have a Ripple Effect on area waters!

To Adopt a Storm Drain near you or for more information visit: https://ripple-effects.com/adopt-a-storm-drain