FAQs • Adopt-a-Drain Program

Adopt-a-Drain Program

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1. What is the Adopt-a-Drain program?: Adopt-a-Drain is a volunteer program focused on preventing flooding and keeping our waterways clean. Residents “adopt” a storm drain and commit to checking and clearing it of leaves, trash, and debris once or twice a month. You also have the option to name your drain for fun! Volunteers track their impact using a simple online tool.

2. What cities and counties are participating in Washington’s Adopt-a-Drain Program?: As of February 2025, the program is active in Auburn, Battle Ground, Bothell, Burien, Camas, Clark County, Clyde Hill, Covington, Des Moines, DuPont, Duvall, Federal Way, Fife, Issaquah, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Newcastle, Redmond, Sammamish, SeaTac, Seattle, and Tacoma. If your city isn’t listed, reach out to your local government to suggest they join!

3. How do I sign up?: Visit wa.adopt-a-drain.org and enter your address. If you’re in a participating city, you’ll see a map with available drains. Choose one to adopt, and after signing up, you'll receive a welcome packet with safety tips and an optional yard sign to show your support.

4. Who can adopt a storm drain?: Anyone! Individuals, families, businesses, schools, churches, clubs, scout troops, and sports teams are all welcome to participate. Choose a drain that’s easy for you to check regularly.

5. How often do I need to check and clean around my storm drain?: There’s no strict schedule, but we recommend checking your drain every two weeks, especially before heavy rain or after windy weather.

6. Can I clean under the grate or inside the storm drain?: No, please never lift the grate! The goal is to keep debris from getting inside the drain while keeping you safe.

7. How do I estimate the amount of debris I collect?: No need for a scale! When you log a cleaning, just estimate the amount in pounds or gallons. Using a 5-gallon bucket can help with this. If tracking becomes too much, don’t worry—cleaning is the priority! Try to report at least once every three months so we know you’re still involved.

8. Why can’t I see any adoptable storm drains near me?: Some storm drains are unavailable because they’re on private property or busy streets that might be unsafe to clean. If so, they won’t show up on the map. If you have an unlisted private drain you’d like to adopt, you can do so by putting a “pin” in its location in the online map.

9. How can I get my neighbors involved?: Follow and share Adopt-a-Drain WA’s social media pages (@AdoptaDrainWA on Facebook and Instagram). You can also share the program’s website, wa.adopt-a-drain.org, to encourage more people to sign up.

10. Isn’t City of Bothell already taking care of the public storm drains around here?

Yes! Bothell’s Storm Operations Division maintains over 8,200 public storm drains and runs its street sweepers year-round on 300+ miles of streets, but city crews can’t be everywhere at once. Volunteers like you help keep neighborhoods cleaner and safer, especially during fall storms and spring cleanup when there’s a lot more debris than usual.

Meet Sweeping Beauty
The Grim Sweeper

Thanks to a community vote in fall 2024, our two street sweepers have names! If you see Sweeping Beauty or The Grim Sweeper in your neighborhood, give ‘em a wave and a little extra room so our Storm Operations crew can help keep your streets safe and clean.

Sweeping Beauty and The Grim Sweeper

11. What if I see oil, paint, or chemicals near a storm drain?: Only rainwater should go down storm drains! If you see anything suspicious near a storm drain in Bothell’s city limits, call our 24/7 Spill Hotline at 425-806-6750 so our team can investigate.

12. What should I do if I find a syringe or dead animal near my drain?: Stay safe and don’t touch it! Contact the city for guidance on proper disposal.

13. What if my drain is still clogged after I clean it?: If your drain is inside Bothell’s city limits, call 425-488-0118 during business hours or submit a Customer Action Request at www.bothellwa.gov/car. If it’s causing dangerous flooding after hours, call 911.