'Adopt a Drain' program going strong as SF residents sign up to help

San Francisco residents receive training on drain maintenance. (Photo courtesy SFPUC)

‘Adopt a Drain’ program going strong as SF residents sign up to help

Nuala Sawyer
Jan. 12, 2017 12:00 a.m.
Quick Hits

If your local storm drain is often blocked, flooded or in need of a little love, here’s your opportunity to lend it a helping hand. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is hosting its second ever “Adopt a Drain” program Thursday evening, where members of the public can sign up to keep a neighborhood storm drain clear when big storms move in.

San Francisco has approximately 25,000 storm drains, 23,800 of which are the responsibility of SFPUC to clean and maintain. The remaining 1,200 have been “adopted,” by 750 San Francisco residents, and given names like Blame it on the Drain, Make it Drain, You’re so Drain, Stormy McFloodsalot, Leavesdropping, and Yoda.

SFPUC’s event will be held on Thursday Jan. 12 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 525 Golden Gate Ave. If you’re interested in a drain cleaning tutorial, make sure you’re there at 5:30 p.m. to receive instructions and supplies, like safety vests and cleaning equipment.drain Public Works SFPUC