Adopt a Drain Program

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Introduction

The City’s storm sewer drains into local waterways, such as Bozeman Creek, Mandeville Creek, and the East Gallatin River. In many cases, stormwater runoff is not treated, having a negative impact on our waterways.

The Adopt a Drain Program connects the dots between storm drains, pollution, and waterways by empowering residents to improve water quality through individual action. Please consider pitching in!

It’s simple:

Register for the Program below.
Work with our team to pick a safe storm drain and get geared up (we provide the supplies!).
Monitor your adopted storm drain during the spring, summer, and fall.
Clean and collect debris on and around your storm drain, as necessary.
Estimate the weight of debris collected after every cleaning and dump in your garbage can.
Report the estimated weight using the tool below. Tracking totals is really important!
Take pride in your community advocacy and repeat.

Thank you for the help. Together we can work to keep fish, wildlife, and humans healthy and happy!

Adopt a Drain volunteer with a wheelbarrel full of debris.

Image 1: Adopt a Drain Program volunteer and water quality superhero protecting Bozeman Creek.

Program Registration

Cleaning Materials Request

Debris Reporting

How to Clean Your Storm Drain

Please read the instructions below for how to keep your storm drain clean and clear.

Clean drains with the tools we provide you.
- Broom, dustpan, bucket, bags, gloves, and safety vest
Clean only the surface of the drain.
- Please do not clean inside the drain or remove the grate.
- If the drain is clogged or appears to have a problem please call us at 406-582-2917.
Always wear gloves.
- There could be harmful items (sharp objects, etc.) near the drain.
- A trash grabber (not provided) could be handy here.
Stay visible and safe.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing and/or the safety vest (provided) to make sure you are visible to cars, bikes, and other vehicles.
Dispose and report the debris you collect.
- Debris can be disposed of in regular trash collection bins.
- Report the amount of debris collected above.

FAQs

Please read the FAQs below. Please contact us with any other questions.

How do I dispose of what I collect?
- Place collected debris in provided bags or other garbage bag and place into garbage bin.
What about sharps, chemicals, other odd objects?
- Safety first-do not touch. Call us and we will handle it.
How often do I clean my drain?
- Before and after a rain storms, or whenever you notice debris accumulation.

Contact Us

The City’s Program lead is Frank Greenhill at (406)582-2917 or fgreenhill@bozeman.net.

"I cannot believe the debris-filled the whole bucket! You are right how much more aware I have become about the drains and my street surroundings. I even found a pair of swimming goggles near the drain, kind of weird and ironic, who was swimming in the drains!?”
AAD Volunteer, 07/23/2019