New Hope Encourages Residents to Adopt a Storm Drain
It’s a simple job that makes a big difference.
“So we are just pulling this woody debris off the grate,” said New Hope Storm Water Specialist and Project Coordinator Nick Macklem.
Each spring, keeping storm drains clear becomes even more important.
Storm drain in New Hope.
“That’s when we notice issues with leaves and any debris that’s stuck on a catch basin being froze up with run-off from the curb lines and the streets,” said Macklem.
If debris blocks water from draining through a storm drain, street flooding can occur.
If debris like trash, leaves, and grass clippings fall into a drain, it can harm waterways.
“The storm drains they drain to lakes and streams in the city so in order to protect those bodies of water, we need to remove that debris from the catch basins,” said Macklem.
City Calling on Residents to Lend a Hand
New Hope has approximately 2500 storm drains.
The city is asking for the community’s help to keep them cleared.
“The adopt the drain program that’s a great program where residents they can get involved to take it upon themselves to volunteer to adopt one drain that’s maybe near their house or place of business,” said Macklem.
Go to mn.adopt-a-drain.org to find storm drains available.
You can even name your drain.
Officials are grateful for the help, but say some parts of the job are still up to them.
If you see debris under the grate, don’t try to lift up the grate, instead call the city.
“We can get our equipment out to address that,” said Macklin.
Storm Water Specialist and Project Coordinator Nick Macklem encourages residents to adopt a storm drain.
Currently, one hundred storm drains in New Hope have been adopted, so there’s lots of opportunity for residents to step up.
“Just getting people to take pride in their community and also helping to take some ownership a little bit, of ‘oh, these leaves probably blew out of my yard, maybe I should help clean some of that up,” said Macklem.
