Adopt a Drain
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the Adopt a Drain program.
What is a storm drain?
A storm drain (also called a catch basin) is a grated opening at street level that collects rainwater runoff from roads. Beneath the grate is a basin, typically 6–8 feet deep, that captures sediment and debris before the water drains into the surrounding ground or is piped to a wetland, pond, or estuary. When these basins fill with sediment, they overflow — sending polluted runoff directly into our waterways.
Why do storm drains matter for water quality?
Road runoff carries a toxic mix: fertilizer (nitrogen and phosphorus), oil, gasoline, pet waste, road salt, pesticides, trash, and heavy metals like copper and zinc. When drains work properly, they capture the heaviest pollutants in the basin's sediment trap. When they're full, everything flows through to our ponds and Waquoit Bay. Nitrogen pollution is the single biggest threat to the bay's health — every sub-embayment has exceeded its safe nitrogen limit in every year measured.
How much time does this take?
Signing up takes about five minutes. After that, you only need to check your drain about once a year — plus after heavy rain — and each check takes just a few minutes, including submitting it in the app. Most volunteers check their drain when they're already passing by — on a walk, heading to the car, or taking out the trash.
Do I need special equipment?
Just your phone (for the app, flashlight, and photos) and a measuring stick long enough to reach the bottom of the basin — 6 to 8.5 feet, marked in 6-inch increments, and thin enough to fit through the grate. A length of PVC pipe or a stiff metal tape measure works well. (Basins are 6–8 feet deep, so a yardstick won't reach.)
How do I sign up?
Go to the drain map, pick an unadopted drain, and tap “Adopt.” You'll sign in with your email — no password needed. We'll send you a magic sign-in link. Once you're in, the drain is yours.
Can I adopt more than one drain?
Absolutely. Many volunteers adopt two or three drains near their home. Adopt as many as you can comfortably check each year.
What happens with my measurements?
Your readings feed into a dashboard that CPWB coordinators and the DPW use to prioritize which drains need cleaning. Drains with low clearance get flagged for service. Over time, the data helps the town make the case for additional storm water infrastructure funding. Your individual identity is never shared with the town — only aggregate drain condition data.
I found a drain that's completely clogged or overflowing. What should I do?
Submit your reading in the app as usual — a very low depth reading will automatically flag the drain as high priority. If the situation looks urgent (flooding, hazardous material), you can also call the DPW directly to open a catch basin work order.
I see something that looks like a chemical spill or oil leak near a drain. What should I do?
Don't try to clean it up yourself. Call the Falmouth DPW (or Mashpee DPW, depending on your location) and describe what you see. Note it in the app as well so there's a record.
Is this safe?
Yes — you're just looking through a grate and sliding a measuring stick in. Never attempt to lift the grate, lean into the opening, or enter the drain. Stay out of travel lanes. If a drain feels unsafe to access for any reason, skip it.
I'm not in Falmouth or Mashpee. Can I still help?
The program currently covers Falmouth and Mashpee because those are the towns in the Waquoit Bay watershed. If you're in a neighboring town and interested in starting something similar, reach out to CPWB — we'd love to help.
Who runs this program?
Citizens for the Protection of Waquoit Bay (CPWB), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in partnership with the Falmouth and Mashpee Departments of Public Works. The idea grew out of a workshop presented by the Falmouth Pond Coalition, where community members first organized to inspect catch basins near local ponds.
What does the DPW do with the data?
Falmouth has one pump-out truck and a two-person crew responsible for over 5,000 storm drains. Volunteer readings help them prioritize: instead of cycling through drains on a fixed schedule, they can target the ones that actually need service. Your data makes their limited resources go further.
Can I stop volunteering?
Of course. You can release a drain at any time from your dashboard, and you can unsubscribe from emails with one click. We hope you'll stay, but there's no obligation.
How do I contact CPWB?
Email info@protectwaquoitbay.org or visit protectwaquoitbay.org.