The Storm Drain Marking Program is an activity sponsored by the BWSC in conjunction with students and community residents to identify the negative impacts on our waterways and harbor when pollutants are illegally and/or carelessly discarded on Boston streets.
Groups of 10 - 15 persons, ages 12 and up, can participate. During this activity, participants will learn about the storm drainage system, what a storm drain is and how the storm drains, also known as catch basins, in the street work. They will learn about some common pollutants and how improper disposal of these pollutants can affect our waterways (Boston Harbor, Charles River, Neponset River, and Mystic Rivers). They will also help prevent pollution by affixing a marker warning on catch basins that flow directly into waterways or the harbor. But most of all - it is fun!
Purpose
In an effort to stop this unnecessary and harmful pollution of Boston’s precious water resources, BWSC initiated the Storm Drain Marking Program. BWSC works with local schools, neighborhood groups and environmental groups to organize and participate in this program. Participants place a "Don’t Dump" marker next to catch basins. This message alerts potential polluters to the fact that what they dump goes directly into one of our rivers or the harbor. This message makes people think twice and dispose of their waste in a responsible manner.
Get Involved
If you would like to sign up a group storm drain marking for your school or neighborhood hosted by a BWSC educational coordinator, email Adriana Cillo at cilloa@bwsc.org or reach her by phone at 617-989-7228.
Requirements
- 10 - 15 participants, ages 12 and up
- provide least a two-weeks notice
If you would like to organize and host a storm drain marking activity without the assistance of the Educational Coordinater, BWSC can deliver a package containing instructions, supplies and a map of the basins to be marked. To learn more about this program, email us at cilloa@bwsc.org.