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Storm Drain Marking

A storm drain marking and awareness program has begun in Danville, the first of its kind in the entire basin! Storm drains connect directly to the Dan River and its tributaries, allowing trash, pet waste, motor oil, paint and other materials to directly enter our waterways and to pollute our drinking water. Storm drain labels remind us to keep storm drains clean in order to protect the rivers and streams we love.

What can you do to protect the Dan River and your local streams?

1. Volunteer to lead a storm drain stenciling project with your group or classroom at a nearby storm drain. 

Contact the Dan River Basin Association at 434-685-0002 or afarinelli@danriver.org to get started. We'll supply the materials, and you supply the labor! Together we can label every storm drain and educate the community about the connection between storms drains and our waterways. Once you've engaged in a storm drain stenciling project, you can continue protecting and promoting water quality through our Adopt-a-Drain program. NOTE: Currently this program is only available in Danville, VA. If you would like to start a storm drain project in your community, please contact your local county administrator or DRBA.

2. Make sure nothing goes down your storm drain except water.

Keep drains clear of any trash and debris, throw all pet waste in the trash, and properly dispose of all motor oil, paint, solvents, batteries, and other potentially hazardous materials. Rainwater picks up these pollutants along and near paved surfaces and transports them directly into our local waterways. Never pour or sweep anything into a storm drain!

3. Some additional things you can do to help prevent water pollution include: 

  • Never pour motor oil, anti-freeze, paint, pesticides, herbicides or any other household hazardous material into or near a storm drain or discard with regular trash. Bring these items to a household hazardous waste collection center or to local waste collectors on designated hazardous waste disposal days. 
  • Clean up spilled brake fluid, grease and anti-freeze with kitty litter or other absorbent material and dispose of properly. 
  • Minimize the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Never apply on a windy day or right before it rains. 
  • Do not allow leaves or grass clippings to accumulate on your driveway, sidewalk or in the street. 
  • Dispose of pet waste by burying it or flushing it down the toilet. 
  • Wash your car on gravel, grass or other permeable surfaces that allow soapy water to be filtered in the ground. 
  • Put all litter into trash receptacles. NEVER throw litter on the ground or near a storm drain.
  • Remember the water cycle? No matter where you leave it, runoff will carry to storm drains or directly to the Dan River and its tributaries. 

4. Report storm drain dumping when you see it.

To report dumping of unknown or hazardous substances of any kind down a local storm drain in Danville, VA please contact City of Danville Public Works at 434-799-5245 or visit Danville Public Works. For other localities, please contact your Public Works or County Administration.

Other Educational Resources 

Thank you for supporting clean, healthy waterways in the Dan River Basin!