Make a difference in water quality! 
Mark a storm drain in your neighborhood!

When it rains, rainwater flows over yards, pavement, streets and other hard surfaces and picks up pollutants such as pet waste, fertilizer, litter and yard debris on the way to the storm drain. This polluted runoff, enters storm drains and drainage ditches and then flows directly into our waterways – untreated. Stormwater runoff pollution can cause fish kills, close shellfish harvesting beds, impair aquatic habitat and degrade the water quality of our recreational waters.

To help combat polluted runoff, Stormwater Services has a volunteer Storm Drain Marking Program, in which volunteers permanently adhere colorful markers next to storm drains. The markers have a message reminding citizens to keep storm drains clean to protect water quality.

To date, storm drain markers have been placed next to storm drains in Downtown Wilmington, Greenfield Lake, UNCW and several local neighborhoods.

Additional opportunities
Doorhangers are available and can be distributed to nearby residents and businesses during storm drain marking events. These doorhangers include tips to remind citizens and businesses that there are simple things they can do to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff.

In addition, students and adults have volunteered to clean storm drain markers of the dirt and grime they accumulate from being near roadways. Biodegradable cleaning agents, brushes and cleaning rags are available to interested citizens and school classes who wish to participate by cleaning the markers. Although not the most glamourous task, this activity is very appreciated and serves our community well by allowing the markers to deliver our message clearly and cleanly.

Please contact Stormwater Services for more information, via email or by phone (910) 343-4777.