City Of Grand Rapids: Residents Asked To Clean Catch Basins To Prevent Flooding

Press release from the City of Grand Rapids:

February 14, 2022

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The City of Grand Rapids is encouraging residents to keep catch basins near their home free from debris as snow and ice begin to melt. The City’s Department of Environmental Services (ESD) says this proactive action can prevent street flooding, protect the environment and manage stormwater.

More than 17,000 catch basins (storm drains) inlets across Grand Rapids drain water during storm events and snow-melting periods. Each catch large objects of debris that would otherwise end up in the river but can become blocked with leaves or litter. During the winter, ice and snow also can form over the basin causing blockages. These clogs can lead to unnecessary and unwelcomed street flooding.

While City crews professionally clean up to 4,000 catch basins annually, residents can help augment that effort by clearing storm drains near their home of any obstruction. The City is encouraging residents to participate in the Adopt-A-Drain program coordinated by the Lower Grand Rapids Organization of Watersheds (LGROW). LGROW’s mission includes promoting and protecting the Grand River. The regional, year-round Adopt-A-Drain program encourages residents to take proactive action to protect the environment, manage stormwater and minimize flooding.

ESD and LGROW are partnering on a multifaceted promotional campaign – including billboards across the city – to encourage residents to participate in the Adopt-A-Drain program. Residents are encouraged to follow ESD on Facebook and share photos of their efforts to keep their neighborhood basins clear of debris. Participants are eligible to win gift cards to area restaurants and other prizes.

This press release was produced by the City of Grand Rapids. The views expressed here are the author’s own.