Apply to Adopt a Drain
What does it mean to adopt a drain?
The Adopt-A-Drain Program is a partnership between the City of Seattle and citizens of the City to care for storm drains. Both the City and the individuals or groups adopting the drains make a commitment to each other to perform certain activities to keep neighborhood drains free from leaf matting, help prevent flooding and to improve water quality within our watersheds.
How do I apply?
To apply, fill out the Adopt-A-Drain Commitment Form (docx) and email it to: adoptadrain@seattle.gov or mail it to:
Attn: Adopt-A-Drain
Seattle Public Utilities
700 5th Avenue, Suite 4600
Seattle, WA 98124
You can also request sign-up information by calling (206) 684-7647. Leave your name, phone number, and address and we will send you everything you need to get started.
Please note: The Statement of Commitment does not legally obligate you to do anything. This form is used to determine which volunteers qualify for support such as equipment, volunteer liability insurance, and disposal assistance.
As an Adopt-A-Drain volunteer, you will receive:
- Supplies on loan for the duration of volunteer service
- Safety equipment
- Storm Drain Stencil Kit
- Educational resources
- And more… view the Supply Request Form (doc)
How do I dispose of the leaves?
- Food and yard waste subscribers can place leaves in their container. During the month of November, your are able to place additional bags alonside your yard waste container at no additional charge.
- If you compost at home, you can dispose of leaves in your compost pile. Our garden experts say that under most circumstances you will not have to worry about any contaminants such as gas or oil.
- Or, call (206) 684-7647 to request that the bagged leaves be picked up or to request a one-time free coupon to one of our transfer stations for free disposal.
- If the drain is still clogged after you’ve removed the matting, Please call our drainage problem hotline at (206) 386-1800 to report it.
How do I report my volunteer hours?
- After your cleanup, call the hotline at (206) 684-7647 or email adoptadrain@seattle.gov to let us know that your event is completed. Please indicate the number of volunteers, length of the cleanup and number of bags collected.
Forms
- Commitment Form (docx)
- Supply Request Form (doc)
- Volunteer Sign-In Sheet (pdf)
Questions? Please call at (206) 684-7647 or email adoptadrain@seattle.gov