WHAT ARE DRAIN BUDDIES?
DRAIN BUDDIES are neighbors who take action by adopting neighborhood storm drains and monitoring them for litter, debris, flooding, pollution, and safety hazards. Participants become “eyes on the street,” helping to identify clogged or damaged drains early and report issues to the Philadelphia Water Department for timely response. This approach is promising because it combines community engagement with preventative infrastructure care, turning residents into local stewards for environmental resilience while supporting city efforts with real-time and on-the-ground information.
DRAIN BUDDIES are neighbors who take action by adopting neighborhood storm drains and monitoring them for litter, debris, flooding, pollution, and safety hazards. Participants become “eyes on the street,” helping to identify clogged or damaged drains early and report issues to the Philadelphia Water Department for timely response. This approach is promising because it combines community engagement with preventative infrastructure care, turning residents into local stewards for environmental resilience while supporting city efforts with real-time and on-the-ground information.
WHAT NEIGHBORHOOD DOES THIS PROJECT SERVE?
This project serves the Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia.
This project serves the Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia.
DO DRAIN BUDDIES HAVE TO LIVE IN GERMANTOWN?
NO. DRAIN BUDDIES do not have to live in Germantown. However, Germantown residents are preferred and are given priority. Participants must be affiliated with the neighborhood: Live, Work, Shop, Attend School OR Place of Worship in Germantown.
IS THIS PROJECT CONTROLLED AND MANAGED BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (CITY OF PHILADELPHIA)?
NO. It's a community driven project that is managed by a local resident in conjunction with other local residents from the neighborhood. Since residents are the closest to the issue, a resident driven approach allows us to be the "eyes on the street" and hold city officials accountable in addressing problem drains. The approached can be evaluated and built upon based on feedback from other residents.
IS THIS PROJECT CONTROLLED AND MANAGED BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (CITY OF PHILADELPHIA)?
NO. It's a community driven project that is managed by a local resident in conjunction with other local residents from the neighborhood. Since residents are the closest to the issue, a resident driven approach allows us to be the "eyes on the street" and hold city officials accountable in addressing problem drains. The approached can be evaluated and built upon based on feedback from other residents.
HOW DO I JOIN DRAIN BUDDIES?
ADOPT A DRAIN! To participate, please visit the "Join the Movement" tab on this website or the drain map. Complete the DRAIN BUDDIES ADOPTION FORM. You will receive an email within a few days with further instructions. All participants will receive a DRAIN BUDDIES Kit.
WHAT'S INSIDE A DRAIN BUDDIES KIT?
A DRAIN BUDDIES Kit is a green tote bag containing several items: a welcome packet, hand grabber tool, work gloves, trash bags, hand broom & dustpan, and a safety vest. Each Drain Buddy/Drain Adopter will receive a kit.
A DRAIN BUDDIES Kit is a green tote bag containing several items: a welcome packet, hand grabber tool, work gloves, trash bags, hand broom & dustpan, and a safety vest. Each Drain Buddy/Drain Adopter will receive a kit.
IS THIS JUST A CLEANUP?
NO. DRAIN BUDDIES is more than a cleanup effort. It is a movement rooted in community ownership, environmental stewardship, and local pride. The project focuses on three key goals: connecting neighbors to storm drains, connecting neighbors to the neighborhood, and connecting neighbors to each other.
HOW IS THIS PROJECT DIFFERENT FROM SIMILAR DRAIN PROJECTS SEEN AROUND THE COUNTRY?
While several cities have adopted Adopt-a-Drain programs, DRAIN BUDDIES goes beyond infrastructure maintenance by using storm drains as a catalyst for building stronger communities. Most existing programs focus primarily on asking residents to keep drains free of leaves and debris to reduce flooding. In contrast, DRAIN BUDDIES .....
While several cities have adopted Adopt-a-Drain programs, DRAIN BUDDIES goes beyond infrastructure maintenance by using storm drains as a catalyst for building stronger communities. Most existing programs focus primarily on asking residents to keep drains free of leaves and debris to reduce flooding. In contrast, DRAIN BUDDIES .....
- Is designed around three interconnected goals: connecting neighbors to storm drains, connecting neighbors to the neighborhood, and connecting neighbors to each other. It is as much a community-building initiative as it is an environmental stewardship program.
- Place emphasis on "ownership, storytelling, and local pride". Residents do not simply adopt a drain: they name it after something they value about Germantown, creating a personal connection to the place they are caring for. The project also uses "incentives that support the local economy", providing gift cards to neighborhood businesses and hosting friendly competitions that encourage sustained participation. This creates a positive feedback loop where caring for public infrastructure also strengthens community relationships and supports small businesses.
- Is distinguished by its "data-driven and transparent approach". The public website displays both adopted and unadopted drains. It will also include an impact dashboard tracking metrics such as the number of participants, drains adopted, litter collected, 311 reports submitted, and even the names residents give their drains (THE DASHBOARD IS WORK IN PROGRESS). By making results visible, the project encourages accountability, celebrates progress, and provides valuable information that can support decision-making by the Water Department and other partners.
- Expands the role of volunteers beyond clearing debris. Participants become neighborhood “eyes on the street,” monitoring for flooding, pollution, damaged grates, sidewalk hazards, and other conditions that affect public safety. This proactive model creates a scalable framework that other neighborhoods can adapt to improve environmental resilience, civic engagement, and community pride.
HOW OFTEN ARE DRAINS MONITORED?
Participants are asked to complete the DRAIN BUDDIES MONITORING FORM at least 2x a month. Please visit "Why DRAIN BUDDIES " dropdown under the "ABOUT" tab to learn some of the things participants are monitoring for. The DRAIN BUDDIES MONITORING FORM will be sent to participants once a drain is adopted.
WHY ARE WE NAMING DRAINS?
WHY IS THIS PROJECT CALLED "DRAIN BUDDIES"?
A buddy is a companion or partnership where you support, help, or look out for one another. The name “drain buddy” symbolizes a person’s connection to each other & to the drain. DRAIN BUDDIES name drains after something they value about Germantown, creating a personal connection to the place they are caring for. Residents can name the drains after anything they value about the neighborhood: a local business, a park, community values, family traditions, a historic site, etc. Through drain naming, neighbors will understand the commonalities and neighborhood values they have among each other.
WHY IS THIS PROJECT CALLED "DRAIN BUDDIES"?
A buddy is a companion or partnership where you support, help, or look out for one another. The name “drain buddy” symbolizes a person’s connection to each other & to the drain. DRAIN BUDDIES name drains after something they value about Germantown, creating a personal connection to the place they are caring for. Residents can name the drains after anything they value about the neighborhood: a local business, a park, community values, family traditions, a historic site, etc. Through drain naming, neighbors will understand the commonalities and neighborhood values they have among each other.
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF DRAIN NAMES?
Drain names identify shared values and neighborhood priorities. Over time, the collection of drain names becomes a living reflection of Germantown's identity that reveals what people cherish, what they hope to preserve, and what inspires them to care for their community.
1. Community Values: what residents value or often say they want more of.
Examples: Hope, Unity, Kindness, Resilience, Tree-lined Streets, Compassion, etc.
2. Places people visit (or once visited)/Places residents have connections with: This can be a name of a park, school, recreation center, local business, church, non-profit organization, historic site, a former building, etc.
Examples: Vernon Park, Germantown High School, Germantown Town Hall, Grumblethorpe, Allen's Department Store, etc.
3. Drain names showing pride: Names that show neighborhood pride.
Examples: A block name, Germantown Strong, Germantown United, The People's Drain, Better Together, etc.
4. A person of influence: who do you value in Germantown? Names honoring community leaders, a beloved block captain, a late family member, etc.
5. Honoring Germantown History
Examples: 1683 (the year Germantown was founded), Historic Heart, Liberty Drain, Freedom Flow, etc.
NOTE: Once a storm drain is adopted, its name will appear on the Drain Buddies map. Participants can also upload a photo and share the story behind their chosen name. By giving each drain a meaningful name, residents create a personal connection to our neighborhood while sharing what they value most about Germantown. These stories foster community building by bringing together longtime residents and newcomers, creating opportunities to learn from one another and celebrate the people, places, and history that make Germantown unique.
Drain names identify shared values and neighborhood priorities. Over time, the collection of drain names becomes a living reflection of Germantown's identity that reveals what people cherish, what they hope to preserve, and what inspires them to care for their community.
1. Community Values: what residents value or often say they want more of.
Examples: Hope, Unity, Kindness, Resilience, Tree-lined Streets, Compassion, etc.
2. Places people visit (or once visited)/Places residents have connections with: This can be a name of a park, school, recreation center, local business, church, non-profit organization, historic site, a former building, etc.
Examples: Vernon Park, Germantown High School, Germantown Town Hall, Grumblethorpe, Allen's Department Store, etc.
3. Drain names showing pride: Names that show neighborhood pride.
Examples: A block name, Germantown Strong, Germantown United, The People's Drain, Better Together, etc.
4. A person of influence: who do you value in Germantown? Names honoring community leaders, a beloved block captain, a late family member, etc.
5. Honoring Germantown History
Examples: 1683 (the year Germantown was founded), Historic Heart, Liberty Drain, Freedom Flow, etc.
NOTE: Once a storm drain is adopted, its name will appear on the Drain Buddies map. Participants can also upload a photo and share the story behind their chosen name. By giving each drain a meaningful name, residents create a personal connection to our neighborhood while sharing what they value most about Germantown. These stories foster community building by bringing together longtime residents and newcomers, creating opportunities to learn from one another and celebrate the people, places, and history that make Germantown unique.
WHY STORM DRAINS?
Storm drains are one of the most important yet overlooked pieces of neighborhood infrastructure. They quietly protect our streets, homes, sidewalks, businesses, and public spaces by carrying rainwater away and reducing the risk of flooding. When they become clogged with litter and debris or are damaged, the consequences can include flooded intersections, unsafe crosswalks, and polluted waterways.
This project is about building connection and residents taking action in the neighborhood. Storm drains provide an ideal focal point for community action because they are highly visible, distributed throughout every block, and directly connected to residents' daily lives. Unlike large infrastructure projects that require significant public investment, simple actions such as keeping a drain clear or reporting a broken grate can have an immediate impact.
Storm drains are accessible. Residents don't have to go too far to participate.
Storm drains are one of the most important yet overlooked pieces of neighborhood infrastructure. They quietly protect our streets, homes, sidewalks, businesses, and public spaces by carrying rainwater away and reducing the risk of flooding. When they become clogged with litter and debris or are damaged, the consequences can include flooded intersections, unsafe crosswalks, and polluted waterways.
This project is about building connection and residents taking action in the neighborhood. Storm drains provide an ideal focal point for community action because they are highly visible, distributed throughout every block, and directly connected to residents' daily lives. Unlike large infrastructure projects that require significant public investment, simple actions such as keeping a drain clear or reporting a broken grate can have an immediate impact.
Storm drains are accessible. Residents don't have to go too far to participate.
WHAT DO I GET FOR PARTICIPATING?
Participants will receive a DRAIN BUDDIES Kit and will be eligible for other prizes with further participation (yard sign, DRAIN BUDDIES branded reuseable water bottle, and gift cards to local Germantown businesses).
Participants will receive a DRAIN BUDDIES Kit and will be eligible for other prizes with further participation (yard sign, DRAIN BUDDIES branded reuseable water bottle, and gift cards to local Germantown businesses).
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR PARTNERSHIPS?
YES. All partnerships are welcomed. Partnerships with local Germantown businesses are extremely important. Please email your ideas. To get in touch, please fill out the Contact Form under the "Join the Movement" tab on the website.
YES. All partnerships are welcomed. Partnerships with local Germantown businesses are extremely important. Please email your ideas. To get in touch, please fill out the Contact Form under the "Join the Movement" tab on the website.
DOES THIS PROJECT HAVE A TIMELINE/FINISH DATE?
Partnerships and sustainability are important. The project will continue as long as funding is available.
Partnerships and sustainability are important. The project will continue as long as funding is available.
THE MAP SEEMS TO BE MISSING A DRAIN. HOW CAN I GET A DRAIN ADDED TO THE MAP?
To get in touch, please fill out the Contact Form under the "Join the Movement" tab on the website.
To get in touch, please fill out the Contact Form under the "Join the Movement" tab on the website.
HOW DO I REPORT A DAMAGED DRAIN?
You can dial 311 or call the Philadelphia Water Department at 215-685-6300. If this is your adopted drain, please also indicate the drain is damaged on the DRAIN BUDDIES MONITORING FORM.
You can dial 311 or call the Philadelphia Water Department at 215-685-6300. If this is your adopted drain, please also indicate the drain is damaged on the DRAIN BUDDIES MONITORING FORM.
HOW DO I DISTINGUISH BETWEEN AN ADOPTED AND AN UNADOPTED DRAIN?
Unadopted drains has a RED icon on the map. Adopted drains has a GREEN icon. LETS GO FROM RED TO GREEN! Adopt a drain that is currently marked in RED. You can visit the map HERE.
Unadopted drains has a RED icon on the map. Adopted drains has a GREEN icon. LETS GO FROM RED TO GREEN! Adopt a drain that is currently marked in RED. You can visit the map HERE.
I HAVE A QUESTION THAT WASN'T INCLUDED ON THIS LIST.
To get in touch, please fill out the Contact Form under the "Join the Movement" tab on the website.
To get in touch, please fill out the Contact Form under the "Join the Movement" tab on the website.
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