Water is one of the simplest and most essential molecules in existence. In its pure form, nothing seems more transparent. Those who have traveled across the U.S. have witnessed many natural wonders, but few rival the Great Lakes. Here in Minnesota, we’re fortunate to have countless lakes and rivers of our own. As we take a moment to appreciate the beauty and joy that water brings to our lives, it’s important to reflect on its significance. In the words of chef Marcus Samuelsson, “For many of us, clean water is so plentiful and readily available that we rarely, if ever, pause to consider what life would be like without it.” The good news is that the people of Rochester have the power to ensure our water stays clean.

Did you know that water flowing into storm drains on our streets goes directly into local waterways untreated? Thankfully, there’s a simple way for you or your volunteer group to help keep our waters clean—by adopting a storm drain through Rochester’s Adopt-a-Drain program. Choose a storm drain (or two) near your home, apartment, or business from a map and keep it clear of leaves, sticks, and trash as they accumulate. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of garbage and excess organic matter polluting our lakes and rivers. Plus, it helps your neighborhood by preventing clogged drains, which can lead to street flooding and dangerous ice patches in the winter. Rochester’s participation in the program has seen remarkable growth, with a 19% increase in participants between 2022 and 2023. As of December 2023, we’ve collectively adopted 432 storm drains—equivalent to 3.6 drains per 1,000 residents. Together, these efforts removed over 1,165 pounds of debris from Rochester’s storm drains in 2023 alone! You can track your contributions online, and as with many environmental initiatives, small individual actions add up to a significant impact. Currently, Rochester ranks sixth nationally in drains adopted per capita, but with the help of residents, we can reach number one!

Litter from our streets also makes its way into waterways, and residents can multiply their impact during the Fall Litter Bit Better event from October 5-13, 2024. This citywide cleanup is a fantastic service project for individuals, families, neighborhoods, and workplaces. Volunteers pick up trash around Rochester, further protecting our water resources. Trash bags are available for pickup at the Government Center, 151 4th St SE, and the Development Services & Infrastructure Center. For more details and to register, visit the Litter Bit Better registration page. Will you join us in the effort to keep our waters clean?