VOLUNTEER STORM DRAIN MARKING PROGRAM
Make a difference for people and wildlife: Share a message to prevent stormwater pollution in your community!
Greenville County residents of all ages are invited to mark their neighborhood storm drains with a kit provided by Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Right: storm drain marker.
Why Mark Storm Drains?
Greenville County’s streams, lakes and wildlife need your help to improve water quality. Storm drains along our streets transport debris and untreated stormwater directly to waterways, including the Reedy River. This causes stormwater pollution when it rains, in which pollutants including automotive oil, pet waste, yard waste, litter and sediment are carried into our Greenville waters.
Storm drain marking is a simple, impactful way to reduce and prevent pollutants from entering drains and waterways. By installing highly visible markers, you can help stormwater pollution become part of the conservation conversation and protect the environment we all share.
Get Involved
Take the first step towards public education and stormwater pollution prevention!
Are you an individual, family, student, school, Scout group, garden club, civic organization, or homeowner association? Inquire about volunteering today. Complete a storm drain marking request here or email contact@greenvillesoilandwater.com to learn more.
Want to learn more about our local stormwater pollutants?
Visit our informational pages to learn more:
WATCH A STORM DRAIN
Would you like to take an extra step in protecting your local streams? Do you notice a storm drain that seems damaged, severely obstructed, or might have been an unlucky recipient of chemical dumping? Is there a storm drain in your neighborhood that you would like to watch for pollutants?
Help Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District identify storm drains in need of attention. Any storm drain within Greenville County qualifies for care. No storm drain marking experience is required. To watch a drain means to notice it a bit more often on your daily commute or stroll, and to photograph it, note it, or call when you notice something unusual. Simply use this link to let us know about any marked or unmarked storm drain in Greenville County. Photos of storm drains can be emailed to contact@greenvillesoilandwater.com .
If you know of a drain that you think would be a great candidate for the Volunteer Storm Drain Marking Program, contact us at contact@greenvillesoilandwater.com to verify the location and receive a storm drain marking kit. All it takes is 5 minutes or less to mark a drain!
HELP KEEP YOUR DRAINS CLEAR
Want to help keep pollutants at bay in your neighborhood? There are thousands of storm drains in Greenville County, and only a few of our staff. Municipalities may not typically offer storm drain cleaning services. However, there are more members of the community than there are storm drains! Plan a storm drain cleanup day with your friends, family, or group. To help clear litter and debris from storm drains, here are some tips to remember:
- Be sure to wear an orange vest and/or cone. Contact Greenville County Soil and Water to borrow vests and cones!
- Use a broom, rake, trash grabber, gloves, dustpan and a trash bag or bucket
- Sweep debris and litter from around and on top of the drain into a bag or bucket and dispose with the rest of household garbage
- DO NOT remove the grate
- Avoid picking up debris or trash with your hands
- Do not sweep drains on busy streets. Instead, choose only drains in residential areas with little traffic
- Note: Dirt and debris from streets and storm drains are NOT compostable due to the chemicals they may contain
- To report dumping, contact Greenville County Land Development at (864) 467-4610
- Call Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District at (864) 497-4995 with concerns about damaged or severely obstructed storm drains
