EDUCATION & OUTREACH

Storm Drain Stenciling

Problem: Dumping in storm drains

One of the most pervasive problems in urban watersheds is the careless dumping of used oil, antifreeze, paints and other pollutants down storm drains. Unknown to most people, most of these drains go to rivers, beaches and harbors- not to sewage treatment. Stormwater, carrying all the contaminants washed or dumped into stormdrains, is the primary source of pollution in the Charles River.

CRWA strives to inform people that much of what is dumped on our streets or into catch basins ends up in the Charles River.

Volunteer to help

CRWA encourages citizen groups to get involved in watershed protection with storm drain stenciling projects. Storm drain stenciling consists of spray painting a message next to a street drain reminding people "Don't Dump — Drains to the Charles River." This is an ideal project for school groups, scouts, environmental clubs, stream teams and other activist groups. CRWA provides reusable stencils and directions for organizing a stenciling project. Groups are encouraged to purchase their own special "traffic" paint. Boston Water and Sewer Commission (617-330-9400) works with groups interested in stenciling in Boston. CRWA staff can provide advice, support, and stencils to groups interested in stenciling in other communities. Contact Rebecca Scibek Wickham for more information.

Future Work

CRWA would like to see storm drain stenciled messages in every community in the watershed. Better yet, activists should encourage their local public works departments to imbed permanent metal plates with the "don't dump" message in pavement next to street drains when resurfacing streets and roads.