Terms of Service

I am voluntarily participating in the City of Watertown’s Adopt-a-Drain program. I have read and agree to follow the Volunteer Guidelines, below and as you click on "What Does it Mean?" on the site. I acknowledge that participating in these events involves inherent risks, and I accept full responsibility for any associated liability and risk. By signing up, I confirm that I am 18 years of age or older.

By signing up, I agree to allow City of Watertown to send me emails related my chosen drains.

I understand that as a volunteer, I have control over the dates and times of my work. City of Watertown is not responsible for scheduling my volunteer activities or monitoring my compliance with the guidelines. I affirm that I am not receiving any compensation or consideration for my participation, and I have read, understood, and freely and willingly agreed to the release and hold harmless provisions stated below.

I agree to release, waive, and forever discharge the City of Watertown (“the City”) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ("the State"), as well as their employees, departments, officers, and agents, from any and all claims or demands arising from accidents, illnesses, injuries, losses, destruction, or property damage directly or indirectly resulting from my participation in this activity. I further agree not to pursue any legal action against the City of Watertown or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or their employees, departments, officers, and agents, for any injury, loss, or damage arising from my participation in this activity, regardless of whether it is caused by negligence or otherwise.

This Waiver and Release is binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and all of my family members. It applies to all losses, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, related to my participation in this activity.

Last updated October 15, 2023.

What is an Adopt-a-Drain program? What does it mean to adopt a drain? An Adopt-a-Drain program is a volunteer program which helps keep our local environment clean and healthy. Participants sign up to adopt a drain (or drains!) and then check on that drain before and after heavy rain, wind, or snow. Any extra care is even better! Anything that goes down the drain ends up in the Mystic and Charles Rivers, which is why this program is so helpful. Keeping the drains clear can also help prevent streets from flooding as it ensures that water can freely flow down the drain.

What am I adopting? What is a storm drain? Storm drains are the grates you see in streets and roads. They’ll be to the side of the road, along the curb, and in Watertown are typically square. Since asphalt and pavement can’t absorb water, any rain and melting snow flow along the street and into these drains. A basin below the grates, called a catch basin, is meant to collect this water and any debris but it can fill up quickly and doesn’t capture everything. Water that goes into the drains - and anything in that water, like trash - doesn’t get treated or go to a wastewater plant, instead it empties into nearby water bodies.

Drain Cleaning Instructions

1. Be mindful of road traffic and keep an eye out for cars, trucks, and bicycles when clearing your drain. Work from the sidewalk as much as possible.
2. Clear any debris that is directly blocking your storm drain, and clear an area a few feet around the drain to remove anything that could get swept in or block the drain. This might include leaves, sticks, snow, or trash.
3. Wear gloves or use a rake or broom to clear the drain, and use caution when picking up debris.
4. Dispose of trash or recyclables as you would normally, in their appropriate bins. Organic materials like leaves and sticks can be disposed of with your yard waste. Visit Watertown's trash and recycling page if you have questions about how to dispose of anything you clear out of your drain.
5. Never try to remove the grate or reach inside the storm drain.
6. Be sure to check your drain around major weather events - before and after it rains, or after a snow storm.
7. If your drain lacks a label saying "No Dumping, Drains to River," and you'd like to help, please contact lschwab@watertown-ma.gov.
8. If anything appears to be broken, or you have any concerns about your drain, please report non-emergency issues SeeClickFix.
9. For any other questions about the program or stormwater in general, please contact lschwab@watertown-ma.gov.

General Volunteer Guidelines

Thank you for your dedication to the Adopt-a-Drain program. Your safety and enjoyment are essential to us. As a volunteer, please follow these guidelines:

General Safety

1. Wear appropriate footwear, clothing, sunscreen, and, if necessary, eye protection.
2. Exercise extra caution in wet or slippery conditions.
3. Report non-emergency issues through SeeClickFix. Call 911 for emergencies.

Traffic Safety

1. Stay out of the street as much as possible and work from the sidewalk if feasible.
2. Wear a bright reflective work vest or bright-colored clothing.
3. Cross streets at signals or designated crosswalks, avoiding mid-block crossings.

Working Near Waterways

1. Always work with a partner near water.
2. Watch your footing on slopes and shorelines.
3. Never allow children to work on steep slopes or near shorelines without adult supervision.

Debris Removal

1. Wear gloves or use a rake or broom when clearing the drain, exercising caution when handling debris. Always sweep, rake, or shovel glass and avoid picking up sharp objects by hand.
2. Sort collected materials into appropriate garbage, recycling, yard waste, or compost bins.
3. Never touch hazardous or medical waste (including automotive fluids and hypodermic needles). Report such items SeeClickFix.

Terms of Service

I am voluntarily participating in the City of Watertown’s Adopt-a-Drain program. I have read and agree to follow the Volunteer Guidelines, below and as you click on "What Does it Mean?" on the site. I acknowledge that participating in these events involves inherent risks, and I accept full responsibility for any associated liability and risk. By signing up, I confirm that I am 18 years of age or older.

By signing up, I agree to allow City of Watertown to send me emails related my chosen drains.

I understand that as a volunteer, I have control over the dates and times of my work. City of Watertown is not responsible for scheduling my volunteer activities or monitoring my compliance with the guidelines. I affirm that I am not receiving any compensation or consideration for my participation, and I have read, understood, and freely and willingly agreed to the release and hold harmless provisions stated below.

I agree to release, waive, and forever discharge the City of Watertown (“the City”) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ("the State"), as well as their employees, departments, officers, and agents, from any and all claims or demands arising from accidents, illnesses, injuries, losses, destruction, or property damage directly or indirectly resulting from my participation in this activity. I further agree not to pursue any legal action against the City of Watertown or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or their employees, departments, officers, and agents, for any injury, loss, or damage arising from my participation in this activity, regardless of whether it is caused by negligence or otherwise.

This Waiver and Release is binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and all of my family members. It applies to all losses, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, related to my participation in this activity.

Last updated October 15, 2023.