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Adopt A Storm Drain / Storm Drain Marking

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Storm Drain Marking

Volunteers needed!

The City of Sioux City storm drain marking program is a way for volunteer groups to complete a hands-on service project and educate the public on the importance of preventing pollution in stormwater and the connection to our local waterways.

The help prevent dumping in our City's storm drains, volunteers adhere markers to intakes as a reminder to residents that all stormwater flows to a waterway without treatment. Volunteers may contact the Environmental Services Division at (712) 279-6222 to schedule a time for a short training and project date/time and location. Brochures are available in the Environmental Office located at City Hall, 4th floor, room 405.

Watch an amazing story that was featured in the Sioux City Journal on June 20, 2025.

Adopt a Storm Drain

The city welcomes volunteer assistance on an ongoing basis to help keep residential storm drains free from pollutants by removing debris and trash from local streets and sidewalks. Those who adopt a storm drain(s) are encouraged to mark them with a "do not dump" emblem or may paint an informational marking to remind residents that stormwater runoff from our lawns, streets, parking lots, and buildings, ends up in our local waterways. Rainwater can collect debris and chemicals from driveways, roads, and other impervious surfaces as it washes into storm drains. Pet waste containing bacteria and parasites can also be washed into storm drains from the grassy areas along the street curbs. This can be devastating to native wildlife and can clog pipes, leading to flooding and repairs. Maintaining our storm drains and marking them with messages indicating that water drains to nearby streams and creeks discourages residents from dumping hazardous pollutants and can improve our city's water quality.

In addition to the Adopt-A-Storm Drain Program, you can help to reduce water pollution by purchasing a rain barrel(s) to reduce runoff, by cleaning up after oil and gas spills in your driveway from cars and lawnmowers, and by sweeping up grass clippings and leaves from the street and sidewalks. Visit the Iowa Stormwater Education website to learn more about ways to reduce runoff into storm drains.

How to Get Involved

Choose a Location
Storm drains should be located in residential areas with speed limits of 25 mph or less. Near your home, school, church or business.

Request Adopt-A-Storm Drain Guide for Participation
Complete the form below to volunteer for Adopt-A-Storm Drain and receive guide. Once you have applied you will receive an email confirming your application.

Review Adopt-A-Storm Drain Instructions & Safety Protocols
Be sure to look over the safety requirements and drain maintenance instructions before embarking on your Adopt-A-Storm drain outing.

Complete Your Paint or Decal Marking of the Storm Drain
Contact Environmental Services at 712-279-6222 for information on supplies and design approval.

Preparation

1. Discuss the storm drain marking program with your youth group, school class, civic organization, family, neighborhood group or friends. It is recommended that participants be at least 10 years old.

2. Select a date for marking. The pavement must be dry and 50 degrees for the next few days.

3. Choose a time of day and length of time available to do the project. Two hours is the recommended length.

4. Select a neighborhood to mark and a location to meet.

5. Figure out the number of participants.

6. Recruit supervisors. One supervisor is recommended for every 4-8 youth volunteers, depending on the age.

7. Plan an alternative date in case of rain.

8. Contact Sioux City Environmental Services to set up the project, including date to pick up supplies and training material.

Day of the Project

Participants should

Wear safety vest and gloves
Break into groups
- two (2) people to mark the curb (Curb Marking Team)
- two (2) people to watch traffic (Traffic Watching Team)

Curb Marking Team

Decide where to put the marker.
If using the drill with 4" diameter drill bit, drill 1/8" down into the concrete where marker will be placed. (This step is not required).
Sweep the area where the marker will be placed with the wire blush supplied so area is free of any loose debris.
Open epoxy glue adhesive.
Apply glue on the back of a clean marker, following the circumference of the marker about an inch in and a spot in the center.
Place drain marker on the clean area. It is important that the entire edge of the marker is sealed to the curb or street.
Step or place pressure on the marker to make sure the adhesive sticks.

Drain Marking Option 1 On Curb and Option 2 On Curb Lip Drain Marking Option 3 On Street Next To Drain

Traffic Watching Team

If you are working in the roadway, obtain the cones and flag from the supply package you picked up from the Sioux City Environmental Services Department.
Place the cones 2 feet out from where you will be working, so that cars have time to reduce speed or switch lanes.
You may also have a spotter use the flag to notify oncoming traffic you are working in the area.

To Paint the Curb

If you are painting the storm drain curb/sidewalk area, follow the Preparation and Day of Project directions.
Verify area is dry and clean from debris.
Using paint supplied by Environmental Office, paint the approved design.
Surround the area with supplied cones or other barricade to protect design until dry.

Follow-Up

Document Your Adopt-A-Storm Drain Marking by Sharing a Picture
Help us keep track of which drains have been maintained and/or marked around town by submitting a photo with specifics on your location. This data helps the city map storm drains which still need to be maintained and/or marked. In doing so, it gives us a better understanding of where to encourage other volunteers to participate in the city. Send the photo to the Environmental Services Program Manager.

Return Adopt-A-Storm Drain Marking Supplies
Supplies can be returned to City Hall following the completion of your Storm Drain marking project. Schedule a time for drop off of supplies with Environmental Services at 712-279-6222.

Congratulate yourselves. . . . you deserve it!

Volunteers Painting a Storm Drain with Fish Final Storm Drain Art that reads Its Up To You To Keep Our Storm Drains Clean

Request Adopt-A-Storm Drain Guide

Please correct the fields below:

Please correct the field(s) marked in red below:

Email Address

Full Name

Phone Number

Organization (optional)

Today's Date

Address / Location of Storm Drain(s)

How many drains do you wish to maintain?

1-3

4-7

Do you wish to mark the drain(s)?

Yes - With Decal

Yes - With Painted Design

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DUE TO THE WEATHER, THERE WILL BE A 2-HOUR DELAY TO BEGIN GARBAGE COLLECTION ON MONDAY, MARCH 16. PICK UP TIMES WILL VARY.

City of Sioux City website

Popular Content

Adopt A Storm Drain / Storm Drain Marking

Storm Drain Marking

Volunteers needed!

Watch an amazing story that was featured in the Sioux City Journal on June 20, 2025.

Adopt a Storm Drain

Choose a Location

Request Adopt-A-Storm Drain Guide for Participation

Review Adopt-A-Storm Drain Instructions & Safety Protocols

Complete Your Paint or Decal Marking of the Storm Drain

Participants should

Curb Marking Team

To Paint the Curb

Request Adopt-A-Storm Drain Guide