Science and Art Combine with new Storm Drain Project

This spring and summer, Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) staff will bring art and awareness to storm drains across Madison Heights thanks to funding from Pure Oakland Water (POW).

Although Madison Heights is the first community to participate, we plan to add a new community each year.

Together with volunteers, our staff will paint stencils near 150 storm drains during the annual Clinton Cleanup event on April 18 and River Day on June 6. A third date is planned and will be announced at a later date.

The stencils read “Do not dump, drains to river” and include an image of a fish.

When storm water enters storm drains, it affects both water quality and drinking water. Storm water picks up trash, pesticides, oils, and other contaminants which then enter the Clinton River and its tributaries through storm drains. This also impacts wildlife habitats and the overall condition of the Great Lakes.

CRWC will also work with five artists to create murals in a to-be-determined location near storm drains. Murals must be related to the overall aim of bringing awareness to storm drains. Interested artists can contact me at ervins@crwc.org.

The Adopt-a-Drain program will enlist community members to commit to maintaining the stenciling and keeping the drains clear of debris.

Registration to volunteer for the stenciling effort will be available closer to the event dates on the CRWC website.