Storm Drain Marking Program

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary can provide small groups and municipalities with supplies to combat “stormwater runoff pollution.” These include: instruction manuals, safety vests, adhesive, “No Dumping” storm-drain medallions, and educational tip cards. We can also provide tips and tricks that will make it easy for you to coordinate employees and volunteers as they hit the streets, marking storm drains and spreading the word about water pollution.

Stormwater runoff pollution is one of the greatest threats to our region’s waterways. This occurs when rain or melted snow flows over watertight surfaces, such as driveways, sidewalks, and streets. Rather than naturally soaking into the earth, this runoff picks up litter, chemicals, and other pollutants on its way into storm drains. It is then discharged on occasion into the waterways we use for swimming, fishing, drinking water and more.

Philadelphia Storm Drain Marking

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in the environment?

Sign up for the Philadelphia Storm Drain Marking Project! This is a fun and easy way to give back to the environment this year. By signing up you commit to marking at least 15 storm drains with your team in the city. You simply glue medallions on the curb above the storm drains to remind people where the water drains!

Many people have no idea that storm drains flow to local waterways, so they use them as trash and toxic waste dumps. Since Philly gets all of its drinking water from local rivers and creeks, this message is extremely important to everyone in your neighborhood and the city.

All supplies are FREE, and it’s easy to volunteer.

First, decide how many medallions you want to glue – each kit does 15 storm drains – and then complete the online registration form. Only one person per team needs to register and you can register for multiple kits at one time. We use this information to contact you about supplies and pickup times and locations. Supplies are limited: first come, first served.

It’s incredibly important that you mark only the drains assigned to you, unless there’s a safety concern. After completing your project, please return signed copies of the Volunteer Release and Waiver. If you did not receive blank copies of the Volunteer Release and Waiver, please contact the PDE staff member you’ve been talking to. If you do not end up marking storm drains, please return them back to the space you picked them up at.

Other Municipalities

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is happy to use its bulk-purchasing power to help municipalities save money while, at the same time, satisfying their MS4 requirements. We are currently updating this program in order to provide a more enjoyable and easy experience for the municipalities we serve. We are not taking orders at this time.
Check back at a later date, or email Sarah Morales at smorales@delawareestuary.org for an update on the program.