Storm Drain Stewards
STORM DRAIN STENCILING
CRWC and Madison Heights are launching a Storm Drain Stewards project in summer 2026. Volunteers will help us stencil storm drains across Madison Heights. The stencils read, "No Dumping, Drains to River" in order to discourage residents from dumping garbage and other contaminants into drains.
Sponsored by Pure Oakland Water (POW).
STORM DRAIN MURALS
The Clinton River Watershed Council is looking for five artists to paint storm drains murals in Troy during the summer of 2026.
By combining art and science, these murals will inspire the public to be curious about where the storm water goes and how it impacts our waterways. Residents don't always associate rivers and lakes with the storm drains in our streets or parking lots. The water that enters storm drains during rain events or snowmelt go directly into the Clinton River and then Lake St. Clair. Along the way, it picks up pollutants that accumulate and impact our water.
Each artist selected will be given a $500 stipend for their time. All applications must be submitted by July 31, 2026. All materials are provided. Questions? Contact ervins@crwc.org.
Photo courtesy of: Friends of the St. Clair River.
Artist: Logan Drinkwine
Photo courtesy of: Friends of the St. Clair River.
Artist: Grace Mason
Photo courtesy of: Friends of the St. Clair River.
Artist: Alyssa Crowley
Photo courtesy of: Friends of the St. Clair River.
Designer: SK Mabry
Painter: Jacqueline Neisz
ADOPT-A-DRAIN
Adopt-A-Drain participants take charge of their local storm drain.
The responsibility includes:
Clearing the drain of debris
Maintaining storm drain stencil message
Reporting illicit discharges
Adopt-A-Drain is a voluntary residential program aimed at caring for the storm drains of the community. When it rains, water drains into the street storm drains. Each rain event or snow melt picks up pollutants from residential yards, parking lots, businesses and industry. These drains are not filtered but lead directly to the Red Run Drain. From there, the water travels to the Clinton River, Lake St. Clair, through the Great Lakes Watershed and finally the Atlantic Ocean. We can prevent the spread of pollutants before they enter the storm drain. We can also prevent flooding by keeping storm drains clear and by reminding the public that they can help with a stencil reading “No Dumping, Drains to River” next to drains.
Adopt-A-Drain volunteers agree to monitor one or more storm drains. Those interested in getting involved, can participate in an in-person or virtual training. This training is not a commitment to participate, rather it is an opportunity to learn what, when, where, why, and how.
Contact: Shannon Ervin, Stormwater Coordinator, (248) 923-5068, ervins@crwc.org.
