San Franciscans Are Naming Their Storm Drains & it’s Amazing
Meteorologists and local news channels have been pretty creative in labeling the recent storm systems in California. We’ve seen ‘bomb cyclone’, ‘atmospheric river’ and even ‘pineapple express’. Storm naming aside, what we can all agree on is that flooding has been a real problem statewide in January 2023.
Perhaps the smartest program to combat flooding in our fair city is the ‘adopt a drain’ program via SF Water Power Sewer @MySFPUC, where San Francisco’s citizens sign up to take care of their own neighborhood drains…and as a reward get to name their drain.
Yes that’s right, if you formally adopt a drain and take on the responsibility of keeping it clear of debris, (and consequentially our streets free of floods) you also get to name your drain: adoptadrain.sfwater.org
As you may have guessed many of the names San Franciscans have come up with are hilarious:
Local Warriors fans named their drains: “Drainmond Green & and Andrain Iguodala”
On Castro Street Miguel named his adopted drain: “It’s Draining Men”
In Noe Valley Linda named her drain: “Trump’s Dumpster Mouth”.
Near the Presidio a resident named their drain: “Nancy Pelosi’s insider Draining”
A Market St. drain adopter called theirs: “Willow’s Dirty Furby Hole”…because, why not?
You can look and see all of SF’s hilarious drain names at the interactive map: https://adoptadrain.sfwater.org, more importantly, YOU can adopt a drain and name it whatever you want too!
There are 25,000+ drains in SF and many still need guardians!
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What are the instructions on how to clear my drain?
- If possible, clear the drain before it starts raining.
- Put leaves and other natural material in the green compost bin. Put trash in the black garbage bin.
- Clear about 10 feet on both sides of the drain.
- Medical waste or needles? Construction debris? Drain clogged beneath the grate? Report it to the City’s Customer Service Center, 311 (or dial 3-1-1).
Please note that the city will not be responsible for any injuries or incidents that may occur while cleaning your drain.
Benefits of Adopt a Drain
- SF Enables stormwater to drain properly and reduces risk of flooding.
- Protects the environment by minimizing pollutants and trash that go down the drain.
- Helps keep our streets clean and neat.
- Fosters community engagement by encouraging residents to take an active role in improving their neighborhood.
Learn more below. To sign up, visit adoptadrain.sfwater.org.
Adopt a Drain SF Today! All info here.
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