Drain Marker Program

Public Works & Utilities >> Surface Water Management >> Drain Marker Program

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Did you know that the water that flows down the street and into the storm drain empties directly into local waterways, including Puget Sound without treatment? This means that pollutants and garbage that the water carries also end up in our waterways. Stormwater is responsible for approximately 75% of the pollution in Puget Sound.

The Pierce County drain marking program began in 2010 with the marking of 1,111 storm drains. The markers include the message 'Only rain down the drain,' to remind people that what goes down the storm drain results in pollution of our waterways. Markers were placed by volunteer groups.

drain marking pic 1

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Get Involved in the Pierce County Drain Marker Program!

Volunteer Information:

•Drain Marker Program Information

•Drain Marker Installation Instructions

Do you need to do an environmental stewardship project this summer to meet a school or organizational requirement?

Or do you just want to spend a sunny afternoon outside giving a little back to your community?

Help improve water quality in Pierce County by participating in the storm drain marker program. This program reminds residents and businesses that in many areas of Pierce County stormwater drains directly into streams, rivers, lakes, and eventually Puget Sound.

This project is appropriate for individuals or large groups school age and older. The task is simple, but the message is priceless! If this sounds like the project for your organization, contact Tiffany O'Dell (253)798-2468.

Request Drain Markers for Your Community or Business

Most drain markers are installed in specific areas based on the water quality concerns of those areas. Pierce County monitors water quality in streams throughout the County, for more information about this program go here. The drain marker program sets aside approximately 100 drain markers per year for installations on public or private properties not located in targeted areas.

- Private properties, including businesses, schools, or homeowners associations with 12 or more storm drains on their property may request a free storm drain marking kit. The kit includes markers, adhesive, and instructions to install markers. Kits will be issued while supplies last.

- Private properties with less than 12 storm drains can request to have their drains marked by a volunteer group. Your site will be added to a list of properties requesting marking which will be assigned to a volunteer group.

To sign up for either of these programs, send an email or call Tiffany O'Dell (253)798-2468. Please include the following information:

The full address or parcel number of the location you would like marked
Your relationship to the property (i.e. owner, HOA, student, etc.)
Why you would like markers installed
Your contact information (name, phone, email)

If you do not own the private property where you are requesting marking, you will be required to submit permission of the property owner.