Even little hands can help

In Indiana, the city of Bloomington has launched a family-friendly volunteer program called Adopt-a-Drain. Residents help maintain storm drains to reduce flood risk and increase water quality.

With over 12,000 storm drains within the city limits, volunteers may usually opt to care for a drain in a location convenient to them. "The only prerequisite for volunteering is a concern for the well-being of our community," says stormwater education specialist Kriste Lindberg.