Adopt-a-Drain Program Sign-up

The City of De Pere is encouraging residents to adopt the storm sewer closest to them and keep an eye on them to make sure that branches, grass or leaves are not collecting near or in them that would obstruct run off flow.  By maintaining a flow free of grass or leaves, the water systems in the area will not have pesticides and other chemicals polluting them.  Residents are reminded not to place mowed grass or leaves in the street as they easily end up in the storm sewers.  Thank you for your environmental help to make our community safer and cleaner!

If you do not know the address location of your preferred storm drain, staff will reach out to you with a map and list of options based on the adopter street address entered. 

Guidelines and Liability:

1. Wear highly visible, brightly colored, or reflective clothing to alert traffic and drivers of your presence near the road.
2. Where possible, stay out of the street. Work from the curbside and watch for traffic.
3. Do not inspect or clear drains at night.
4. Do not go into storm drains and do not block travel lanes.  NEVER ATTEMPT TO ENTER A STORM DRAIN.  Clear surface debris only; let the Public Works crews handle garbage or hazards inside the catch basin – report to the Department of Public Works as part of the inspection report.
5. Work facing traffic.
6. Be aware of your surroundings, make sure to watch for cars; whenever possible, work with a partner who can watch for traffic hazards while you are cleaning the storm drain.
7. When possible clear your storm drains prior to and following any rainfall.
8. Always sweep, rake, or shovel glass. Never pick up sharp objects with your hands.
9. Never touch hazardous or medical waste including automotive fluids and hypodermic needles.
10. Garbage bags, buckets, brooms, and landscaping gloves are generally helpful when inspecting and cleaning a storm drain.
11. Sweep material away from the storm drain, not into it – and capture it for disposal as you can.
12. To the extent possible, place recyclables and garbage into your residential bins.
13. Collect and put trash in garbage or plastic in recycling. If you have a compost, collect leaves and grass to add to compost or transport to the City Yard Waste Site. Do not place leaves, sticks, or garbage/recycling on adjoining property terrace.
14. Clear debris within the curb and gutter area several yards along each side of the storm drain, especially the uphill side.
15. Please complete and send in the Field Inspection Report every month or before and after rain events – link will be provided.
16. Never attempt to clean debris if there is moving water that prevents you from having a clear view of the drain.
17. Be cautious when walking on potentially slippery or uneven surfaces.
18. To remove dead animals, call Public Works at 920-339-4060.
19. The applicant releases the City of De Pere from any claim for any damage to persons or property resulting from or arising out of any action or inaction related to the removal of debris or cleaning of the adopted intake.
20. The City has my permission to use photos or video taken during my volunteer activities in order to promote the City, its programs, or events.
21. The City may terminate the agreement hereunder at any time.