Cambridge Launches Storm Stewards Volunteer Program

The City is launching an exciting new initiative, Storm Stewards, in collaboration with the Mystic River Watershed Association, aimed at protecting the health of our local rivers and reducing street flooding. Residents and business owners are encouraged to participate by claiming (and naming!) a storm drain in their neighborhood and keeping the drain clear of debris, particularly ahead of rain events.

Storm drains, also known as catch basins, play a vital role in our city's infrastructure, collecting rainfall and snowmelt to prevent flooding. By claiming a drain, volunteers commit to checking on a drain each month and keeping it clear of debris, like trash and leaves. This ensures stormwater can flow into the drain and helps keep these materials out of our waterways. In Cambridge, anything that flows down a storm drain eventually finds its way to the Alewife Brook or the Charles River. Storm Stewards will play a crucial role in helping the City maintain the cleanliness of our environment.

With 5,800 City owned storm drains in Cambridge, the task of maintaining them is substantial. City crews work diligently to clear storm drains before and after storms, but this task can be completed more quickly with community assistance. Volunteers can significantly expedite the process, aiding in both pre- and post-storm checks to keep drains functioning optimally. When clearing a drain, remove any debris that directly blocks your storm drain and clear an area a few feet around the drain to prevent potential blockages. Exercise caution in trafficked areas, and work from the sidewalk as much as possible. Dispose of trash or recyclables appropriately in their respective bins for curbside collection. Organic materials like leaves and sticks can be disposed of with your yard waste.

How can I sign up?

Signing up to become a Storm Steward is simple. Visit Cambridge’s Storm Stewards website at https://cambridge.mysticdrains.org/, to find a drain in your neighborhood, give it a name, and commit to checking on your drain each month. Any Cambridge resident willing to monitor a storm drain is welcome to become a Storm Steward. Residents can claim as many drains as they would like to care for.

For more information on stormwater in Cambridge, visit www.cambridgema.gov/stormwater.