Adopt-a-Drain Program

Protect Our Water. Name Your Drain. Show Some Neighborhood Pride.


The City of Summit invites residents to take part in our Adopt-a-Drain program, a simple and meaningful way to help reduce flooding, protect local waterways, and show a little community spirit. When you adopt a drain near your home, school, or business, you commit to keeping it clear of leaves and debris throughout the year. As a fun bonus, each adopter gets to name their drain. Creative names will be featured on the city website and social media throughout the year.

Adopt a drain program logo

What is Adopt-a-Drain?

Storm drains are an essential part of our city’s infrastructure. Our Division of Public Works will always clear drains before and after major events, but with 2000 drains in Summit, it takes a village to keep them clear. The Adopt-a-Drain program empowers individuals, families, schools, and businesses to make a real difference - right in their own neighborhoods.

Click here to get started!

Adopt your drain now button

What We Ask of You

If you adopt a drain, you agree to:

  • Check and clear the top of your drain at least twice a month, especially before and after heavy rain.
  • Remove leaves, trash, and debris from the surface of the grate (never remove the grate or attempt to clear inside the drain).
  • Report any damage, blockages, or concerns to the Division of Public Works through the See-Click-Fix app or the Report a Concern module on the city website.
  • Log your adopted drain location, commit to clearing it every couple of weeks, and give it a name using our community form (see below).

It only takes a few minutes a month to make a big impact.

Name Your Drain

As part of the program, every participant can name their adopted drain. Whether clever, poetic, or just plain fun, drain names are a great way to bring visibility to the cause. Selected names will be highlighted by the city.

Here are a few examples to inspire you:

  • Drainy McDrainface
  • Sir Drain-a-Lot
  • The Guttery Show
  • Leaf Me Alone
  • Drain Supreme

Naming Guidelines

  • Keep it family-friendly
  • Avoid using full names of real people (unless it's your own)
  • No political or offensive language
  • Bonus points for creativity, wordplay, or local references

Ready to Adopt?

Log your adopted drain and give it a name using this form.

Please include your name, the address where the drain is located so we know it’s been adopted (use the closest home’s address to the drain), and your chosen drain name.  We will choose our three favorite names and let the public decide on their favorite via our social media channels! 

Safety Guidelines

  • Always wear gloves
  • Only clear the top of the drain — never attempt to move or open the grate
  • Do not work in the street during heavy traffic or during active storms

With any questions, please contact the Division of Public Works at SummitDCS@cityofsummit.org or (908) 273-6404.