Protect Our Waterways: Get Involved in Stormwater Quality Initiatives
Stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of water pollution in urban environments. As rainwater flows over streets, sidewalks, and yards, it can pick up pollutants like oil, trash, fertilizers, and pet waste—carrying them directly into our local rivers and lakes through storm drains. Fortunately, you can help make a difference.
The City invites residents, businesses, and community groups to take part in several hands-on programs designed to protect and improve stormwater quality. Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours to spare, your efforts can help keep our waterways clean and our neighborhoods beautiful. Listed below are some easy ways to have a big impact!
Storm Drain Labeling
Help raise awareness by labeling storm drains with educational markers that remind others that these drains lead directly to local water bodies. This simple activity is perfect for individuals, families, scout troops, and school groups.
Adopt-a-Catch Basin Program
Join our Adopt-a-Catch Basin initiative and take responsibility for keeping a storm drain near your home or business clear of debris. Regularly removing leaves, trash, and other blockages helps prevent flooding and reduces pollution.
City Clean-Up Events
Participate in scheduled community clean-up days where volunteers work together to remove litter and potential stormwater pollutants from streets and parks. These events are a great way to meet neighbors and make a visible impact.
Attend City Council Meetings
Periodically, stormwater management is discussed in Washington Terrace City Council Meetings. This could reference planned stormwater infrastructure construction, changes to management plans or stormwater ordinances, etc. If you have an interest in those topics, keep an eye on the regular updates on the Washington Terrace City Facebook page (www.facebook.com/p/Washington-Terrace-City-100064305715400/) or the City website (washingtonterrace.gov/citycouncil) to know when stormwater will be addressed in City Council. Then come and share your voice.
Let's Collaborate!
The options above are structured and effective, but they are not comprehensive. We would love to hear your ideas for collaboration in this important area. Please reach out to the Washington Terrace's Environmental Specialist at 801-395-8287 and share your vision for clean stormwater!
Washington Terrace City's Adopt-A-Catch Basin Program
Adopting a catch basin is as easy as 1-2-3.
- Select an "un-adopted" catch basin from the map below and click on it. Follow the link in the information box that will pop up and fill out the "adoption form". Make sure to give it a cool name!
- Once a month, or more often if necessary, go out and clean around your catch basin.
- After each cleaning, report your efforts to the City for stormwater recordkeeping using the same link in the map that you used to originally to adopt the catch basin.
That's it! Easy, right?
How often should I clean the catch basin?
We recommend that you clean ten feet around the inlet once monthly (more often if needed, especially during times of significant potential pollution, i. e. autumn, or before storms). In addition, prior to major storm events we encourage you to check the basin to ensure that there is no debris in the path of the stormwater flow that could be washed into the drain with the stormwater.
What is the best way to clean the catch basin?
A broom and shovel are likely to be your most effective tools when cleaning your adopted storm drain. Avoid using water to clean the drain as this can lead to the sediment being carried into the stormwater system. Exercise caution when cleaning catch basins that are near streets, moving vehicles, or other hazards. Consider using personal protective equipment such as a reflective vest or gloves.
Should I ever remove the grate?
No! Never remove the grate. If there is debris that you can't reach mark the inlet as "clogged" and someone from the Public Works department will come to clear the inlet.
What should I do if water doesn’t flow into the catch basin even after it has been cleaned?
If localized flooding is present after cleaning, mark the inlet as ”clogged” via this form.
How do I update my adopted catch basin status?
To update your catch basin status, you'll follow the same process that you used to originally adopt a storm drain, but you will select the update report option instead of the adopt option. You can access this report here here, or further down this page under the heading "Submit a Status Update".
How often should I update my adopted catch basin status?
Reporting back after each cleaning allows us to track that data and update it on the live dashboard here on the website. Additionally, if there is any change in catch basin functionality, such as a clog or structural impairment, please let us know as soon as possible.