San Jose Residents Can Adopt Storm Drains for Earth Month

City event encourages community to help protect waterways and prevent flooding

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:00am

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A highly textured, abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric patterns and precise botanical spirals in shades of blue, green, and gray, conceptually representing the interconnected system of storm drains, waterways, and urban infrastructure.A community-driven initiative to maintain local storm drains aims to reduce urban flooding and protect nearby waterways.San Jose Today

The City of San Jose is hosting an Adopt-a-Storm Drain event during Earth Month to encourage residents to take responsibility for maintaining storm drains in their neighborhoods. The event will educate participants on the importance of keeping storm drains clear to prevent flooding and protect local waterways.

Why it matters

Storm drains play a critical role in urban flood control and water quality, but they often get clogged with debris, leaves, and litter. By empowering residents to adopt and maintain their local storm drains, the city can improve drainage, reduce flooding risks, and keep pollutants out of nearby creeks and the San Francisco Bay.

The details

At the Adopt-a-Storm Drain event, residents will learn how to identify, access, and maintain the storm drains near their homes. Participants will receive supplies like grabbers, gloves, and bags to help them regularly clear debris from their adopted drains. The city will also provide information on the environmental benefits of keeping storm drains clear and how to report any issues.

  • The Adopt-a-Storm Drain event will take place on April 22, 2026 for Earth Day.

The players

Carlos Velazquez

Public Information Manager in the Environmental Services Department for the City of San Jose.

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What they’re saying

“The Adopt-a-Storm Drain Earth Month event will help residents learn about and take an active role in maintaining the storm drains in their neighborhoods.”

— Carlos Velazquez, Public Information Manager, Environmental Services Department

What’s next

After the event, residents can sign up to officially adopt a storm drain and commit to regularly clearing it of debris. The city will provide ongoing support and recognition for participants.

The takeaway

By empowering San Jose residents to take ownership of their local storm drains, the city can leverage community engagement to improve urban drainage, reduce flood risks, and protect the health of nearby waterways.