Kalamazoo Drain Keepers
Join the Drain Keepers, Adopt-a-drain in Kalamazoo
What is an Adopt - a - DRAIN Program?
An adopt-a-drain program (AADP) is a volunteer-supported program aimed at keeping our stormwater system healthy. It consists of resident volunteers keeping their storm drain clear of debris to allow water to move through the system.
Adopting a drain is a simple and impactful way to support clean water in our community.
In Kalamazoo, drains flow directly into local rivers, lakes, and streams - without any treatment.
Protecting Our Waterways, Empowering Our Community 1 DROP at a TIME!
HENRY SAYS
By keeping your adopted storm drain clear of leaves, litter, and debris, you help prevent pollution, reduce localized flooding, and protect the health of our watershed. It's an easy, flexible volunteer opportunity you can do on your own schedule - right in your own neighborhood!
What is the mission of the Kalamazoo Drain Keepers?
Serving to protect our local waterways, the Adopt-a-Drain Program is vital for the City of Kalamazoo, MI. The program prevents pollution and reduces the risk of flooding.
Our mission is to engage and empower residents to:
- Combat Nonpoint Source Pollution: Stormwater runoff, which is not treated before it enters our lakes, rivers, and streams, is a significant source of pollutants. Urban land uses contribute major sediment and nutrient loads to watersheds. By clearing debris, participants directly reduce this contamination.
- Minimize & Mitigate Flooding: Kalamazoo has a history of periodic severe flooding, experienced in 1858, 1880, 1896, 1897, 1904, 1908, 1947, 2008, and 2018, leading to significant damage. Keeping drains clear helps prevent loc alized flooding and ensures the stormwater system functions properly.
- Safeguard Drinking Water Sources: Kalamazoo County relies heavily on groundwater. Protecting these sources from contamination is paramount, as anything on paved surfaces can wash into drains and ultimately impact surface waters and groundwater. The City has a Wellhead Protection Program to safeguard groundwater used for drinking.
- Foster Community Stewardship: The program encourages public participation and environmental stewardship, a ligning with the City's broader goals for stormwater management, hazard mitigation, and public education. It provides a measurable way for citizens to contribute directly to improving water quality and community resilience.
What should I consider first?
Who should participate?
- Physically healthy residents capable of using tools, bending, lifting, etc.
Adults
- All participants must sign a liability waiver prior to any work being performed.
Children
- Only children supervised by a participating AADP trained adult for preparation and active clearing efforts.
- An authorized parent or guardian must sign a waiver for participants less than 18 years old.
What drains can be adopted and accessed?
- Streets with low traffic and Speed Limits of 30 MPH or less
- Local residential roads
- Approved streets by the City of Kalamazoo
- Storm drains that are easily accessible and undamaged
Click here for answers to AADP COMMON QUESTIONS
Henry Says
Did you know that the City's stormwater drains, grates, catch basins and inlets drain directly to our creeks?
Water from Arcadia, Axtell, Portage and Davis Creeks eventually all drain (discharge) to the Kalamazoo River.
How do I become a Drain Keeper?
Step #1: Identify nearby DRAINS to ADOPT. Use the QR CODE or LINK for Enrollment & Map
Access the AADP system from anywhere?
Step #2: Click on the GIS Adopt-A-Drain MAP to begin filling out the adoption FORM. - Don't forget to pick out a fun name for your drain! (Hey, that rhymes!).png)
Step #3: Keep watch on your adopted drain! Use the link or QR code in Step 1 to access the AADP System.
Click on the map to identify a drain near you!
Best Practices - Safety, Personal Protection Clothing
For the complete guidance on "Best Practices 101" for the AADP, open the link: Click here for the complete BEST PRACTICES 101
When cleaning a drain, it is important to have and use specific safety equipment to protect yourself and ensure the task is performed safely.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Clothing:
- Reflective safety vest or shirt
- Gloves or work gloves
- Safety shoes or closed-toe shoes
- Long pants
Best Practices - Safety Equipment (Clearing & Waste Collection)
When cleaning a drain, it is important to have and use the proper tools to protect yourself and ensure the task is performed safely.
Tools for Visibility, Clearing and Waste Collection:
- Orange cones or barrier tape
- Wagon or rolling pail
- Trash grabber
- Broom and/or rake
- Shovel
- Dustpan
- Snow shovel
- Large bucket or yard waste bag
Hazardous Waste 101
When encountering or suspecting hazardous waste in a drain, safety is paramount. The City of Kalamazoo emphasize the direct handling by volunteers is strictly prohibited, and immediate reporting to authorities is the primary action.
For the complete guidance on "HAZARDOUS WASTE 101" for the AADP, open the link: Click here for the complete HAZARDOUS WASTE 101 GUIDANCE
Our guidance covers safety tips on handling hazardous waste found in a storm drain:
- Do Not Touch or Attempt to Handle Hazardous Waste
- Immediately Report the Discovery
- Prioritize Your Safety and Stop Work
- Understand What Constitutes Hazardous Waste
- Proper Disposal of Non-Hazardous Waste
CONTACTS: For all your questions and more information, call the City of Kalamazoo, Public Services Department at
- Email DrainKeepers@kalamazoocity.org or
- Use the QR CODE to access the online AADP System
Go to ProtectYourWater.net/contact/
- Call 311 (when in the City) or 269-337-8000 (when outside the City)
SHARE A PICTURE
Take a SELFIE with your adopted drain! Post your award-winning photos to social media/Facebook and tag us @kalamzoocity.org
REPORT PROBLEMS:
-When the drain appears clogged under the grate, broken, or isnot working properly.
-For illegal dumping or other environmental pollution nearby.
-For hazardous waste, chemicals or flammable spills; call 9-1-1 ASAP.
How about adding some MARKERS to your STORM DRAINS?
WHAT IS THE STORM DRAIN MARKER PROGRAM?
Labeling drains with drain "markers" reminds people that the drains empty stormwater runoff directly into our local waterways (no filter, no treatment). Contact us to label drains as an individual or with a group.
CONTACTS: City of Kalamazoo, Public Services Dept.
- Go to ProtectYourWater.net/contact/
- Email DrainKeepers@kalamazoocity.org
Protecting Our Waterways, Empowering Our Community
1 DROP at a TIME!