July 11, 2023 - Clean Drains Fort Wayne invites every resident to join in protecting our rivers on the first-ever Clean the Drains Day, September 23, 2023. Clean Drains is the awareness and action campaign initiated three years ago by Friends of the Rivers in partnership with City Utilities.
Friendly the Otter, the Clean Drains’ mascot, calls on all ages to make Clean the Drains Day a clean sweep for Fort Wayne‘s 20,000 storm drains. Adopting and removing debris blocking the drains is simple, easy and quick. But the impact on the health of our rivers is enormous. As Friendly the Otter always says, “Less clutter in the street gutter ensures only rain goes down the drain.”
There’s a place for everyone to become a Drain Stormer on Clean the Drains Day: Individuals, families, neighborhoods, schools, churches, organizations and businesses.
Registration is now open for Clean the Drain Day at CleanDrainsFortWayne.org. Once registered, participants will receive their personal Clean Drains kit for clearing and marking the storm drains, including protective gloves and commemorative tee shirts. Register at: http://cleandrainsfortwayne.org/
Kick off the Day by clearing designated drains and marking them with an “Only Rain in the Drain” medallion beginning at 9:00 am on September 23, 2023.
After the morning “drain storming,” volunteers are invited for pizza, followed by the Clean Drains Fest at Promenade Park from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Clean Drains Fest celebrates our rivers, is open to all, and is an afternoon filled with activities, music, and river rides on the Sweet Breeze canal boat.
Storm drains are the gateways to our creeks, streams and rivers. When it rains, the storm drains carry trash, debris, and other waste into our rivers, polluting them and compromising water quality.
“Protecting our rivers starts with you. Don’t wait, sign up today,” added Friendly the Otter.