Two flexible ways to help keep pollution out of Austin’s storm drains

The city offers two different storm-drain volunteer routes

Austin Watershed Protection currently lists two year-round ways to help at neighborhood storm drains. Residents can adopt a drain and keep it clear of leaves, trash and other debris, or coordinate a project that places educational markers and distributes door hangers.

The two routes are not interchangeable. Adoption is ongoing maintenance selected through the city’s map. Marking requires contact with the program, a short training and a supply-kit appointment before volunteers begin.

Neither route is a scheduled one-day event or a guaranteed group assignment. Help Austin reviewed the city program page, adoption map and city volunteer hub on October 20, 2026; the official program’s current instructions control any later change.

• Choose adoption for recurring care at a drain you can revisit.
• Choose marking for a coordinated education project with city-provided materials.
• Use the official program page before starting either route.
• Ask the coordinator about a specific neighborhood rather than assuming a location is available.

Sources: City of Austin Adopt or Mark a Storm Drain guide ↗ · Official Austin storm-drain adoption map ↗ · City of Austin volunteer opportunities hub ↗

Drain adopters clear about 10 feet and check at least twice a month

The city asks adopters to clear their drain at least twice each month and, when possible, before and after rain. Volunteers should clear roughly 10 feet on both sides, sweep material away from the drain and sort recyclable, trash or compostable material into an appropriate residential or commercial bin.

Adopters should not remove a grate, put anything down the drain or use weed killer or herbicide on nearby growth. The city directs volunteers to report bulky waste or dangerous material through Austin 3-1-1 instead of handling it.

The official adoption map is the route for selecting a drain. A map location is a volunteer-maintenance commitment, not permission to enter private property or work in a traffic lane.

Sources: City of Austin Adopt or Mark a Storm Drain guide ↗ · Official Austin storm-drain adoption map ↗

Marker projects include 25-marker kits, training and one month to finish

Storm-drain markers carry a no-dumping message and are paired with door hangers that explain how yard waste, pet waste and chemicals can reach Austin creeks. The city describes the schedule as year-round and flexible for individuals or groups, with volunteers under 18 accompanied by an adult.

A standard kit contains 25 markers and supplies for up to four people. The city says custom requests can include up to 50 markers for an individual or 200 for a group, but those quantities are request limits, not a promise that every kit or preferred location is immediately available.

Participants must complete a short pre-activity training. Training and supply pickup and return take place by appointment at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Once supplied, volunteers have up to one month to complete the marking project.

• Tell the coordinator how many people will participate.
• Disclose whether anyone is under 18.
• Suggest preferred intersections or say you can work where help is needed.
• Plan for weekday training and supply logistics before recruiting a group.

Sources: City of Austin Adopt or Mark a Storm Drain guide ↗

Safety means staying on the sidewalk and reporting hazards

Austin Watershed Protection tells volunteers to remain on the sidewalk, wear gloves and stay visible with a cone, safety vest or bright reflective clothing. Suggested tools include a broom, rake, trash grabber, dustpan and pail; volunteers should never pick up debris with bare hands.

Do not touch automotive fluids, hypodermic needles, medical waste or another hazardous substance. Report those materials through Austin 3-1-1 or call 512-974-2000. Adults should supervise children throughout the work.

The public page does not publish a universal accessibility assessment because conditions vary by drain and intersection. Ask the coordinator about terrain, curb access, traffic exposure or a suitable alternative before accepting a location if those details affect participation.

Sources: City of Austin Adopt or Mark a Storm Drain guide ↗

Start with the official page, not an unscheduled visit

For adoption, open the city’s ArcGIS map from the program page and follow its current selection steps. For marking, use the volunteer link or contact the named Watershed Protection coordinator with participant count, ages and preferred area.

Do not arrive at One Texas Center expecting an unscheduled kit pickup. The city explicitly requires appointments for training and supply pickup or return, and marking volunteers need the program’s materials before placing markers.

Help Austin treats both routes as active, flexible programs rather than a claim that every drain, kit size or requested intersection is available today. Wait for the city’s confirmation before making a group plan.

Sources: City of Austin Adopt or Mark a Storm Drain guide ↗ · Official Austin storm-drain adoption map ↗ · City of Austin volunteer opportunities hub ↗

Austin storm-drain volunteering: quick answers