00:00This started in 2014. Since then, we have removed over 980,000 pounds of debris, so we're going to hit a million.
00:10That's a drain load of gunk kept out of city streets and waterways, thanks to a program with a name that really cleans up, Adopt a Drain.
00:19The idea began in Minnesota, but has since flowed nationwide.
00:23There are thousands of storm drains in a city, even a small city is going to have thousands of them.
00:30They can't have people checking on every drain every day.
00:32So if you kind of crowdsource the issue and have people say, hey, there's two in front of my house, I'll just keep an eye on those.
00:39The concept is simple.
00:40If you go to adoptadrain.org, if your drain is mapped, you can adopt it. If not, you can actually add it to the map.
00:46Those extra set of eyes can be the difference between smooth sailing and a full-on street stream.
00:53Some of the groups in New Orleans that we're working with have said that they've seen very big differences in terms of flooding
00:59when there's people that are keeping an eye on a drain, know that there's a storm coming,
01:03and can make sure that drain is clear before the storm comes.
01:06And for many residents, it's not just about keeping the water moving.
01:10It's about giving their local drain a little personality.
01:13Great names from Purple Drain to Drainy McDrainface, Foggy Bottom to Thirsty Boy,
01:21residents are showing that civic duty does not have to be a drain on your time.
01:26And getting involved is easy.
01:28No toolbox required, just gloves, a rake, and maybe a little bit of drain determination.
01:34For AccuWeather, I'm meteorologist Tony Laubach.
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