Adopt-a-Drain in Your Town
March 30, 2025

Adopt-a-Drain is an exciting initiative in Chittenden County made its debut on Earth Day 2022!

Storm drains flow directly to lakes and streams, acting as a conduit for trash and pollutants. Adopt-a-Drain asks residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution.

Rethink Runoff, an ongoing awareness and public outreach effort to reduce dirt and pollutants from stormwater runoff entering Lake Champlain and local streams, has partnered with Hamline University to launch Adopt-a-Drain in Chittenden County. Currently, the program has been adopted by five municipalities including Burlington, Colchester, Essex Town, Essex Junction, and Milton.

Volunteers choose how frequently to clear their drain and report how much debris is collected. They receive a welcome packet, small yard sign, and the clever perk of getting to name a drain

You can Adopt-a-Drain by going to vt.adopt-a-drain.org or scanning the QR code below!