City of Kent Public Works introduces Adopt a Drain volunteer program

City of Kent Public Works Environmental Engineering staff introduced Adopt a Drain, a volunteer program that asks residents and businesses to keep storm drains free of debris to protect local waterways and drinking-water sources.

Staff said the program is simple and safety-focused. "Step number 1 is picking a drain," said Chad, a City of Kent Public Works Environmental Engineering staff member, who spoke during a brief presentation. He said volunteers should choose drains that are safe to reach and not adjacent to busy roads. "Step 2 is gathering tools," he said, listing rakes, brooms, dustpans, gloves and trash bags. "Step 3 is clearing the drain and clearing the debris off the top of the grate and the surrounding area. Make sure not to lift the grate and keep yourself gloved up so you don't cut yourself on anything sharp."

Chad said volunteers can sign up online; he provided the program website as wa.adoptadrain.org. He added, "Keep our waterways free of pollution here in Kent. Sign up at wa.adoptadrain.org, and we'll see you out there." Clint, who Chad introduced as a colleague from the same department, was named but did not speak in the recorded remarks.

The presentation emphasized the connection between street drains and local waterways that contribute to drinking-water supplies, and stressed volunteer safety and proper tools. No formal actions or votes were recorded in the transcript. The program contact and sign-up page were the only implementation details specified.