Where Do Storm Drains Go?

The Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program is is partnering with Bay Area artist Joanna Sokua on a public outreach campaign to raise the visibility of the county’s storm drains and send a simple message: Storm drains connect streets directly to creeks and the Bay.

“Many people don’t know that whatever gets washed down the storm drain—or gutter as many would say—can end up in our waterways. The drains flow directly to local waterways without going to a treatment plant first,” explains Program Public Information Subcommittee Chair Cynthia Butler. “That’s why it is important to keep pollution off our streets, driveways, yards, gardens and sidewalks by reducing pesticide use, picking up pet waste, using a car wash, and more," she adds.

The Program's campaign invites Alameda County residents to learn more and take the campaign's online pledge to help keep creeks and the Bay clean. As a thank you, the first 200 pledges will receive a limited edition notebook with Joanna's original art! Stickers are also available while supplies last.

Through mid-April, Joanna's art will be seen on buses and bus shelters throughout Alameda County. Online, the campaign will be promoted via digital ads, on Facebook and Instagram. Click here to learn more about the campaign and the Clean Water Program.