HomeMy Public PortalAboutPrograms for Residents (PDF)Stormwater Programs for Residents
Storm Drain Stenciling Program
A storm drain marker or stencil is a 4-inch diameter plastic decal with the message "No
Dumping, Drains to Stream". During the storm drain stenciling program, volunteers, at their
own pace, attach the stencils with glue to local storm drain inlets or structures to remind the
general public not to pour or dump anything into storm drains. Anything that enters a storm
drain or storm sewer system is released without treatment into nearby water bodies used for
swimming, fishing and drinking. Attaching stencils to storm drains helps to remind and educate
citizens that water quality and aquatic life are directly affected by any pollutants entering storm
drains.
The DPW has a stenciling program available for students and community residents to
participate. During the activity, participants will learn about the storm drain system, what a
storm drain is and how the storm drains, also known as catch basins, in the street work. They
will also help prevent pollution by putting a warning on catch basins that flow directly into the
Charles River.
Participants use a non -toxic adhesive to place the marker on the curb directly next to a catch
basin. The message alerts potential polluters to the fact that what they dump goes directly into
the river. This message makes people think twice and dispose of their waste in a responsible
manner.
If you would like to participate in a stenciling event in your school or neighborhood, hosted by
DPW, please contact DPW at 617-972-6420. This program is a great opportunity for volunteers,
businesses, neighborhood associations, students, and youth groups to be a solution to
stormwater pollution and eliminate pollution at its source!
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Watertown DPW Summer Staff Stenciling -Summer 2015
Paved Border Removals
In the past, many residents had there "borders" —the area between the road and the
sidewalk —paved. Times have changed! Now residents can have these borders restored by
removing the pavement and then loamed and seeded. This provides an aesthetic benefit to the
resident but also provides a stormwater benefit by reducing impervious area.
Residents wishing to take part in this program should call the DPW Highway Supervisor at 617-
972-6420.
Tree Plantings
Planting trees provide a number of important benefits besides the aesthetic. Street trees act
like an umbrella, catching water on their leaves and bark before it hits the ground. Some of it
evaporates and some more slowly reaches the ground. Trees roots also stabilize the soil,
reducing erosion.
Additional information regarding street tree plantings in Watertown can be found at the Tree
Warden's web page, http://ci.watertown.ma.us/index.aspx?NID=352.
Attend a Stormwater Advisory Committee meetine
The Town's Stormwater Advisory Committee provides advocacy and support for a variety of
stormwater issues. The Committee is involved in a number of outreach activities, including
with schools, at Fair on the Square, and neighboring communities. Meetings are held monthly
at DPW. See http://watertownstormwater.org/ for more information.
Buy a Rain Barrel
DPW has partnered with the Great American Rain Barrel Company in Hyde Park, MA to offer
rain barrels to residents at a discount to help conserve water and save money.
Each 60-gallon UV protected polyethylene rain barrel is manufactured in the USA from a
recycled shipping drum that stands 39" tall by 24" wide and weighs 20 pounds, empty. The
barrel comes with overflow fittings, drain plug, screw on cover, and a threaded spigot with two
ports to use with either a watering can or a garden hose.
Rain barrels may be purchased at DPW for $65.00 each (cash, check, or money order; no debit
cards). An optional diverter to channel water directly into your rain barrel is available for an
additional $16.00. Rain barrels may be purchased at DPW (please provide 24 hours' notice
prior to pick-up) or call 1-800-251-2352 to order directly from the Great American Rain Barrel
Company. https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/default.aspx