Adopt or Mark a Storm Drain

Mark a Storm Drain 

Note: The Storm Drain Marking Program is temporarily suspended. Please contact the program coordinator to sign up at a later date.

Help educate your community by marking storm drains with messages like “No Dumping – Drains to Creek” as a visual reminder that the storm drains run directly to our creeks. 

How It Works

• Place markers on storm drains or distribute educational door hangers to residents explaining how yard waste, pet waste, and chemicals can pollute our creeks.
• Email the coordinator to sign up. Include the number of participants, if any are under 18, your preferred location (street intersections), or if you are willing to work anywhere there is a need.

Schedule

• Year-round, flexible for individuals or groups.
• Volunteers under 18 must be with an adult.

Kit Details

• Each kit includes 25 markers and supplies for up to four people.
• Custom kits are available upon request: Up to 50 markers per individual and 200 markers per group.

Training

• Participants must be available to attend a short, pre-activity training.
• Training and supply pickup and drop-off will be at the One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road.
• Training hours and supply pickup/drop off hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., by appointment only.
• Participants have up to one month to mark storm drains when it is convenient for their schedule.  

Adopt a Storm Drain 

By adopting a storm drain, you help protect water quality and minimize flooding by keeping it free of leaves, trash, and other debris that can clog the system and pollute our waterways.

How It Works

• Clear the drain at least twice a month, especially before and after rain if possible.
• Clear about 10 feet on both sides of the drain (sweep away from drain, not into drain).
• Separate and place recyclables, trash, or compostable material into your residential bins or commercial bins if adopting near your workplace.
• Do not use weed killer or herbicides to rid drains of grass or plants.
• Call 3-1-1 if bulky trash or hazards are present in the drain. Never remove the grate or put anything down a storm drain.

Safety Tips to Consider Before Volunteering

• Adults should supervise children.
• Always stand on the sidewalk, not the street.
• Wear gloves and never touch hazardous or medical waste (including automotive fluids and hypodermic needles). Call 3-1-1 to report hazardous materials.
• Use tools like a broom, rake, trash grabber, dustpan, and pail. Never use your hands to pick up debris.
• Stay visible to drivers with an orange cone, safety vest, or bright or reflective clothing.

Click Here to Adopt a Storm Drain

How to Prevent Pollution from Entering Storm Drains

• Scoop the Poop
• Report pollution to Austin 3-1-1
• Vehicles: Austin Guide to Home Mechanics
• Lawns: Earth-wise Guide to Lawn Care
• Trash: Learn more about Austin's water quality

Additional Volunteer Opportunities 

• Adopt a Creek: Commit to a two-year stewardship of a local creek segment.
• Sign up for monthly volunteer emails about building rainscapes, grow zones, invasive plants removal, etc.
• Explore more volunteer opportunities with the City of Austin.

Report an Issue

For storm drain inquiries not related to volunteering, please call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 or use the 3-1-1 mobile app.