Mark Storm Drains to Prevent Pollution

As part of the City of Alexandria's campaign to reduce harmful waste into storm drains, come join us to spread awareness and mark storm drains. Help inform fellow residents of waste and pollutants by marking storm drains alongside a designated route while getting informed and raising awareness. Storm drain markers feature the shad – a local fish – to remind us that anything we put in a storm drain goes directly into our local streams. All of our local streams drain to the Potomac River, which provides drinking water and recreation, symbolizes our heritage, and drains to the Chesapeake Bay. Keep our streams clean and safe for our children, pets, and fish like Sherlock and other wildlife. Paint, concrete, yard waste, pet waste, plastic, litter, and grout harm people, animals and plants when poured down a storm drain or when tools and brushes are washed. Motor oil and antifreeze damage or kill plants, fish, birds and other wildlife and their habitat. A single quart of oil can contaminate up to two million gallons of drinking water. Pets like the taste of antifreeze and will die if they drink it. Only rain in the drain!