Friends of Sugar Creek has launched its Adopt a Storm Drain program to raise awareness of storm water pollution.
The program allows residents to select a nearby drain, clean it out and dispose of the trash, helping keep the debris from ending up in the creek.
As leaves, grass clippings, pet waste and other pollutants break down in the water they feed algae, causing it to grow uncontrollably, according to the organization. Water from the drains flows directly into creeks and streams without first being treated.
“We’re considering everything that kind of gets washed down to the drain in the street as a pollutant,” said Cindy Woodall, executive director of Friends of Sugar Creek.
The organization received a $2,000 grant from Indiana American Water to launch a website featuring an interactive map of the drains.
Participating residents can visit the map at www.mocoadoptadrain.info to sign up for a drain. A video is posted showing residents how to properly clean the drain and handle the litter.
After clearing the debris twice a month, residents submit a report through the website. Workers from Crawfordsville’s Storm Water Department then do an inspection and spray paint the Adopt a Storm Drain logo next to the drain indicating it’s been adopted.
Friends of Sugar Creek will provide a free T-shirt to residents who take a photo with their adopted drain. The program will have a Facebook page.
