Community encouraged to join city’s efforts to keep local storm drains clear 

 Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, in partnership with the Mystic River Watershed Association, is inviting residents and business owners to help protect the health of our local environment and reduce flooding by adopting a storm drain in their neighborhood. 

Storm drains (also known as catch basins) are crucial parts of the city’s infrastructure that collect rainfall and snowmelt that cannot be absorbed through asphalt or pavement. Keeping these drains clear and free of debris prevents pollutants from entering local waterways and helps reduce localized flooding by ensuring water can flow freely down the drain. 

Caring for Somerville’s more than 3,600 storm drains is an enormous task, and while city staff are working hard to maintain these assets and upgrade our stormwater management systems, support from community members can play a vital role.

The City’s new “Adopt-a-Drain” program, launched in partnership with the Mystic River Watershed Association, invites volunteers to care for a storm drain (or drains!) in their neighborhood by ensuring it is clean and clear of debris, particularly ahead of heavy rain or snowfall. 

How do I sign-up?

To learn more about what it means to adopt a drain and sign up for the program, visit Somerville’s “Adopt-a-Drain” page. 

Once on the page, you can find a drain in your area by typing in a nearby address or navigating the map. If the drain you want to adopt is available, you can claim through the website. After signing-up you’ll receive a welcome email with more information about caring for your newly-adopted piece of municipal infrastructure. 

For more information, please email contact@mysticriver.org or contact Lucica Hiller, City of Somerville Stormwater Program Manager, via email at lhiller@somervillema.gov or phone at 617-625-6600 x 5400.