Overview
We have all seen storm drains on the sides of roads, quickly draining water off the road during rain storms. But is water the only substance going "down the drain"? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Environmental scientists have found that substances such as motor oil, litter, fertilizers, pesticides, animal waste, and other contaminants are routinely flushed down storm drains along with the water.

Traditionally, water systems simply diverted the storm overflow into a local waterbody, receiving little to no treatment. This eventually leads to an undesirable impact on the receiving waterbody. Some communities have addressed this issue by redesigning the sewer system to divert the water to a treatment facility, but this is an extremely expensive process.

What is the answer? A much less expensive option is for all the residents of a community to become educated about the issue, and participate in the solution by carefully following directions when applying pesticides or fertilizers to lawns, by using biodegradable products when at all possible, cleaning up pet wastes, and to urge local governments to create recycling centers for paints, paint cleaners, used motor oil, batteries, and other household toxic items. This will not solve the problem completely, but will cut back the impact made on our environment.

What can students do the help? Many organizations sponsor "Storm Drain Stenciling Activities", that include students either using a kit provided by an organization, or creating a stencil with a friendly message reminding passers-by, not to discard items into storm drains.

Objectives
Students will:

understand the importance of keeping storm drains clean gain a sense of environmental stewardship

Time
Depends as this activity must be completed outside.

Materials

stencils (kits available to order) environmentally "friendly" paints paint brushes paper towels local government permission

Teacher Preparation

Earthwater Stencils Clean Ocean Action

Procedure
If at all possible, choose a dry, relatively cool, sunny day. If paint is applied on a rainy day, it is possible that the stormwater will wash your paint down the drain. Also, try to avoid windy days as spray paint can drift onto nearby cars. Remember that the surface being painted should be dry and warm.*

1. Obtain local government permission to stencil the community's storm drains.
    
2. Clean the area to be painted with a wire brush and whisk broom to sweep dirt away from drain area so paint will adhere.
    
3. Position stencil next to (not over) the storm drain inlet where message will be most visible. Avoid areas where dirt and leaves will collect and cover the message.
    
4. Place a shield, such as a cardboard box with bottom cut out, over the stencil to prevent drifting paint overspray (especially near parked cars).
    
5. Spray paint the message, taking care the paint doesn't go down the drain. Two light coats are better than a thick single coat.
    
6. Make sure to leave the area clean and free of excess paint.

* Stenciled messages last for approximately two years on a paved surface.*

Assessment Suggestions
Design brochures and/or posters explaining the importance of keeping storm drains clean to raise public awareness and possibly assist with the painting activity.