Storm Drain Marking

Written on 27 March 2008.

 A storm drain collects rain and melted snow that runs off hard surfaces such as roads,roofs,parking lots and driveways. They empty into underground storm sewer systems. Many of these storm sewers discharge their contents directly into local waters, which are important for recreational activities, as well as habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife.

Many people are not aware that everything that goes into a storm drain (for example:rainwater, soap, oil, antifreeze, gasoline, salt) enters the nearest stream or waterway unfiltered. The pollutants that are carried down the storm drain can be extremely dangerous for water quality, and can kill aquatic life (for example: insects, fish, and waterfowl) in the creeks.

Unlike domestic wastes collected by sanitary sewers, the contents of these storm sewers are generally not treated at wastewater treatment plants prior to their discharge into local waters.

To create awareness of this issue, the Storm Drain Marking Program involves studentsmarking the storm drains with yellow fish shapes that illustrate the link between the drains and aquatic life.

There are many storm drains located throughout our area, including the neighbourhoods surrounding various schools. The contents of these drains are quickly discharged into nearby streams that are important habitats for salmon, trout and other creatures. Participants in the program discuss what pollutants might get into a storm drain, and then they consider the dangers that fish and other living creatures face when that happens.

Once the students know how the program operates, they go out and paint fish on the streets by each storm drain. They also learn what to tell people in their neighbourhood about doing their part to keep waterways clean.

If you are interested in storm drain marking in your neighbourhood please Contact Us, as we have Storm Drain Marking kits available and can help arrange a field trip.

Please don’t dump hazardoushousehold products into storm drains. Some products, such as used motor oil, antifreeze and car batteries are collected for recycling, while other products like paints, stains and varnishes can be disposed of at collection depots.