Dec 2024

Preventative Maintenance Steps To maintain storm drains effectively, communities should implement several preventive practices: 1. Regular Inspections: Inspections help identify any block ages, structural issues, or maintenance needs early on. Inspecting drains after heavy rains or at regular intervals throughout the year allows municipalities to spot poten tial issues before they worsen. 2. Debris Removal: Leaves, litter, and sediment often accumulate in storm drains, especially in urban areas. Clearing these materials helps water flow freely and reduces the likelihood of clogs and pollution. Many communities organize neighborhood cleanup days, where residents are encouraged to pick up litter and clear leaves around storm drains. 3. Community Education Campaigns: Educating the res idents about the importance of keeping storm drains clear is essential for long-term success. Residents should know not to dump waste or chemicals down storm drains, as these contaminants can severely impact water

quality. Signage, pamphlets, and local workshops are effective ways to inform residents. 4. Community Participation Programs: Initiatives like “Adopt-a-Drain” encourage residents to take respon sibility for a nearby storm drain. By monitoring and maintaining their adopted drain, community members help reduce the community’s maintenance burden and increase local engagement. 5. Collaboration with Environmental Organizations: Part nering with local environmental or conservation groups can provide valuable resources, such as educational materials or volunteer labor for storm drain maintenance. These organizations may also offer additional expertise, helping communities design and implement more effec tive preventive measures.

Education Regarding Storm Drain Preventative Maintenance

Benefits of educating communities about the significance of storm drains and preventive maintenance offers numer CONTINUES ON PAGE 40

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DECEMBER 2024