Residents and groups can register at CleanDrainsintheFort.org to receive a free Clean Drains Kit.
Fort Wayne City Utilities news release:
Protect Your Neighborhood, Protect Our Rivers
Free Kits Help Residents Clear Storm Drains, Reduce Flooding Risks, and Keep Pollution Out of Local WaterwaysFort Wayne, Indiana (June 21, 2026) – Heavy rain events this spring brought hundreds of reports of street flooding, standing water and slow drainage in Fort Wayne neighborhoods. While some flooding was caused by intense rainfall, many problems occurred because water could not reach storm drains blocked by litter, leaves, grass clippings and other debris.
With more than 22,000 storm drains across the community, keeping them clear takes all of us. That’s why Clean Drains Week, July 6-13, depends on residents, families, neighborhood groups, churches, youth groups, businesses and organizations stepping up as Drain Stormers to clean and mark storm drains.
The effort helps protect Fort Wayne’s rivers while reducing flooding risks, improving drainage and keeping neighborhoods cleaner.
Storm drains carry rainwater from streets directly to local creeks, streams and rivers without treatment. Along the way, that water can pick up litter, pet waste, sediment, oil and other pollutants that harm water quality and wildlife.
Taking part is simple. Residents and groups can register at CleanDrainsintheFort.org to receive a free Clean Drains Kit that includes t-shirts, cleaning brushes, gloves, trash bags, adhesive and Clean Drains medallions with the message “Only Rain in the Drain.”
Participants can also join the Clean Drains Challenge by organizing neighbors, family members, students, scout troops, church groups, businesses or other volunteers to clean and mark drains throughout their area. Neighborhoods with previously marked drains are encouraged to participate again by clearing debris and keeping storm drains visible and accessible.
Groups are encouraged to participate during Clean Drains Week, but those who need a different date can organize a cleanup at a time that works best for their neighborhood, team or organization.
Children can use free sidewalk chalk to create storm drain artwork and messages, such as “Only Rain in the Drain,” to remind neighbors that storm drains lead directly to local waterways.
Clean Drains Week is part of Clean Drains Fort Wayne: Be River SmART, an initiative that encourages residents to take simple steps to improve the appearance of their neighborhoods, reduce drainage problems and protect Fort Wayne’s rivers.
More information is available at CleanDrainsintheFort.org.
Clean Drains Week at a Glance:
- Clean Drains Week: July 6–13, 2026
- Free Clean Drains kits are available
- Neighborhoods, organizations, churches, youth groups, businesses and others may participate during Clean Drains Week or schedule another convenient date
- Not available July 6–13? You can still help by registering and letting us know when your group can clean and mark drains
- Register at CleanDrainsintheFort.org
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