The Storm Drain Marking Program is a reMARKably easy way for residents of all ages to get directly involved in reducing the amount of pollution in our streams and lakes! 

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Anyone who is concerned about water quality!  Current volunteers in the program include: individuals, families, students, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, garden clubs, civic organizations, homeowner and neighborhood associations to name a few.  Volunteers can spend as much time as they wish marking drains!

WANT TO GET INVOLVED ?

Step #1
Call 704-336-5500 to request a Storm Drain Marking Kit.  Kits include orange safety vests, drain markers, tubes of caulk, wire brush, trash bag, vinyl gloves, participant waiver and a log sheet.

Marked Drain Log

Safety Rules & Guidelines

Participant Waiver & Youth Participation/Release Form

Step #2
Organize friends, family, classmates, or neighbors to help.

Step #3
Place the oval markers on all your neighborhood storm drains.  Please make note of any blocked/damaged drains or obvious signs of illegal dumping (used automotive oil, paint, grass clippings/ leaves, etc.).

Step #4
Return completed log sheet (by mail or fill out our online form) and unused materials.

Step #5
PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK for helping protect and preserve the water quality of our streams and lakes

WHY MARK THE DRAINS ?
Charlotte-Mecklenburg has two (2) types of sewer systems: the Sanitary Sewer and the Storm Drainage System.  The sanitary sewer system carries human and industrial wastewater to a treatment plant.  The storm drainage system, which is composed of the open drainage grates along the roadside, carries untreated storm water runoff from roofs, roads, sidewalks and parking lots directly to streams, ponds and lakes. 

Each time it rains, pollutants such as trash, used automotive oil, yard waste (grass clippings, leaves) excess or improperly applied yard chemicals, sediment, and pet waste are transported by storm water directly to nearby streams, ponds, and eventually into the lakes (Charlotte-Mecklenburg's drinking water supplies).

Storm Drain Marking is one way of reducing the amount of pollutants going down the drain.  While it won't solve all our water pollution problems alone, the highly visible marker is a practical and easy first step toward public education and active involvement in storm water pollution prevention.

I'M READY TO GET STARTED !
Contact the Mecklenburg County Water Quality Program at (704) 336-5500.  A Storm Drain Marking kit will be quickly assembled for you.  (A 48 hour advance notice is preferred.)  Kits can be picked up, or mailed to you.