Strathcona County launches Adopt a Storm Drain program

Strathcona County is launching a new program called Adopt a Storm Drain. Through the program residents are encouraged to adopt a storm drain in their neighbourhood and help keep it clean and clear of debris.

“It’s a fun way to involve children in giving back to the community,” says Kendra Vander Kooy, the Water Conservation Program Liaison. “It’s a great way to teach children about our local watershed and how everything is connected in our water system.”

Residential neighbourhoods are prone to blocked storm drains due to leaves, gravel, litter and other materials. If this debris is not removed before spring melt or heavy rainfall the flow of water can be restricted and cause flooding. As the water flows into the storm drain it takes this debris along with it, making its way to the local stormwater pond and eventually the North Saskatchewan River.

Increased organic matter in stormwater ponds and rivers means an increase in nutrients. More nutrients can lead to an increase in algae and aquatic weeds which can be harmful to aquatic life.

Adopting a storm drain is a great activity that families can do together. It’s also a great way to teach kids about how what happens on our streets is connected to the health of our waterways. Even if you don’t live near a stormwater pond your actions still have a direct impact on them.

How to adopt a storm drain:

• Go to strathcona.ca/stormdrain and watch the Adopt a Storm Drain Safety Video and read the guidelines and safety tips.
   
• Find a storm drain to adopt on the interactive map.
  • Fill in your name and email contact
  • Give your storm drain a name
     
• Adopt your storm drain!

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of hydrocarbon processing in Western Canada. Strathcona County is a leader in environmental conservation, and 55 per cent of its land is within the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community. 

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595