Take the Creek Friendly Challenge

Reroute a Downspout!

The Creek Friendly Challenge is a voluntary neighborhood initiative to improve water quality in Bradley Creek and Hewletts Creek through simple solutions, like redirecting a downspout from a driveway to a lawn. Using techniques to slow down, soak in, and spread out stormwater runoff, we can actively make a difference in the health of these waterways.

Picture this -- when a downspout empties onto a driveway or walkway, stormwater flows from the roof, onto the driveway or walkway, and "runs off" into the road, eventually draining into storm drains and ditches. As it washes over these hard surfaces, stormwater runoff can collect pollutants, like pet waste and motor oil, and carry them to our creeks -- untreated. If that same downspout is redirected towards a yard, garden, or even a rain barrel, it can slow down, spread out, and soak in before it has a chance wash pollutants into our waterways. This is a simple, easy way to make your property more Creek Friendly!

Did you know? During heavy rains, more than twelve gallons of runoff can come down a downspout per minute!

The Process:

Check your watershed address at www.wilmingtonnc.gov/watershedmap to make sure your property is located within the Bradley Creek, Hewletts Creek, or Drains to ICW2 or ICW3 watersheds.
Currently, only properties located within the scope of the Bradley and Hewletts Creeks Watershed Restoration Plan(PDF, 7MB) are eligible to participate in the Creek Friendly Challenge.
Reroute a downspout! See below for step-by-step directions. You can use a downspout extender or even a rain barrel to accomplish the goal. If you've previously rerouted a downspout or installed a rain barrel, then you can jump ahead to step 3.
Show us what you did! Fill out our reporting form and we'll come out to confirm your rerouted downspout! Once confirmed, you'll receive a free Creek Friendly plaque and you'll be automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win cool prizes.
Spread the word in the neighborhood - the more the merrier! We want everyone to have an equal opportunity to participate. Not only will more people have chances to win prizes, but the overall stormwater runoff footprint within the neighborhood will lessen with every property that participates. We're happy to do a presentation for your HOA or even at your home if you bring a few neighbors!

How To:

1st -- Locate a Downspout

Downspout draining to driveway

First, look for downspouts that are currently pointed towards a driveway, sidewalk, roadway, or other hard surface where stormwater runs off, rather than soaks in. When stormwater flows into the storm drains or ditches along the street, it can wash pollutants into our waterways untreated.

2nd -- Attach Extender

Attaching downspout extender

Attach one end of a flexible downspout extender to the downspout. Alternatively, you can also place the narrow end of a splash block under the downspout.

Both of these options can be found at your local home improvement store and come in multiple colors. More creative varieties can be found online.

It is not recommended to lay a flexible extender across a walkway as this can cause a tripping hazard. A shorter splash block may be a better fit as it can direct runoff across a walkway, without adding a physical obstacle.

3rd -- Redirect To Yard or Garden

Downspout rerouted to yard

Take the other end of the downspout extender and turn it towards a yard, garden, or other landscaped or natural space that has enough room for stormwater runoff to spread out and soak in on your own property. If you use a splash block, make sure the wide end of the splash block is directed towards the area that will soak in the stormwater runoff.

And you're done!

IMPORTANT: Do NOT direct stormwater runoff onto a neighbor's property.

Fact Sheets & Guides:

How To Reroute a Downspout Brochure: Downspout Reroute Brochure(PDF, 2MB)
How To Reroute a Downspout Fact Sheet: How to Reroute Downspout Fact Sheet(PDF, 3MB)
How To Redirect a Downspout into a Rain Barrel: How To Install & Maintain a Rain Barrel(PDF, 8MB)

Videos:

Join the Challenge to Win Prizes!

Each property that participates in the Creek Friendly Challenge will be entered into a free raffle. Participants will be entered into the raffle period that coincides with when they submitted their completed project. Next raffle date: February 28, 2025

Check out some of the prizes that you could win below!

1

A Brand New Rain Barrel!

$85 Value
50-gallon capacity
Comes with an easy set-up kit

And it could be yours!

2

$50 Lowe's Gift Card!

3

blackeyed susans

Assortment of Native Plants!

Species will be dependent on timing and availability.

4

Stuffed Heal Our Waterways Swag Bag!

Prizes include a dry bag, reusable straw, thermos, bumper sticker, native seed packets, t-shirt, and more, plus the reusable grocery bag it all comes in!

See Who Else Has Taken the Challenge

View our gallery of Creek Friendly Challenge participants below.

Tori Family Rerouted Downspout — Tori-Family-Downspout.jpg

Share Your Work

Fill out the form below to share how you rerouted a downspout. You'll receive a free Creek Friendly plaque and be entered into a raffle!

Share Your Rerouted Downspout

Request a Talk

Want to request a presentation for your HOA? Have a group of neighbors interested in a talk?

Reach out to us to schedule a Creek Friendly Challenge presentation and have your questions answered.

Watershed Coordinator

910.765.0629
Email

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get a downspout extender or splash block?

Many styles are available online, but basic varieties can be found at home improvement stores.

What if I don't have downspouts?

The goal of this challenge is to direct downspouts away from hard surfaces, so unfortunately your property is not eligible for this current challenge. However, the good news is that a good portion of your roof is likely already draining to your lawn or other areas where runoff can soak in! Check back in the future as new challenges may be added that you could participate in!

What if I don't have yard space to spread out runoff?

If you have a small yard or poor drainage, another option is to attach a rain barrel to your downspout. This will at least capture some runoff from your roof that you can then use to water your plants. Direct your rain barrel's overflow hose to the normal drainage pattern.

Will this cause flooding in my yard?

This may make your yard soggier temporarily, but shouldn't be an issue if you have good drainage. Plus, it's free water for your lawn! Consider a rain barrel instead if you have poor drainage.

I got a letter about this challenge - do I have to participate?

Nope! This program is completely voluntary, but we do hope you consider joining!