Storm Drain Marker Program

The Storm Drain Marker Program was implemented to help increase public awareness of the environmental effects of dumping in storm drains and their contribution to water pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, Back Bay and the ocean.  Storm water pollution is a major source of our nation’s water quality problems.  A study showed that 50% of the pollution in the Chesapeake Bay is due to storm water runoff.  Water that runs off streets and buildings picks up litter, motor oil, excess fertilizers and other pollutants as it makes its way into natural waters.

How can you help?

The markers we are currently using are watershed-specific.  Each storm drain will be tagged with a marker which will identify which watershed it drains to.  Volunteers simply adhere 4-inch stainless steel markers on storm drains with the message “Drains to…” with the specific watershed listed on it.  Volunteer groups of 2 or more people are needed.  Materials are provided by the City and the Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission.
Contact Waste Management and let us know what neighborhood(s) your group would like to volunteer to place the storm markers.  Currently there are over 30,000 storm drains to be marked in Virginia Beach, so we encourage volunteers to assist in this much needed project.  It only takes approximately 5 minutes to attach each marker and you can schedule your own hours.

You can also Adopt-A-Drain!

Virginia Beach’s Adopt‐a Drain program enables residents like you to help keep pollution out of our lakes and streams. Using your smart phone or a computer and an interactive mapping program, you can see storm drains near you and choose one to adopt as your very own.

Just choose your drain, give it a name and sweep around it a few times a year. You can help keep pollution from being carried down the storm drain that leads to your closest lake or stream.

Visit the Adopt-A-Drain Program webpage for more information!