Stormdrain Marking/Stenciling Program

Why Mark or Stencil Storm Drains?

Storm drains are designed to move rainwater quickly and efficiently off streets and parking lots. Unfortunately, the water that flows into the storm drains carries trash, sediment, and other pollutants with it and drains to our local streams and rivers. Items like fertilizers, pesticides, household cleaners, gasoline, motor oil and pet waste are some of the major pollutants carried into storm drains by stormwater.

Marking or stenciling storm drains reminds citizens that anything that goes into a storm drain goes directly into our local streams. Our local streams then flow into our rivers and eventually the Chesapeake Bay, carrying the storm drain pollution. Since Charles County has a thriving fishing/crabbing economy that depends on healthy water quality, and many recreational activities center around our waterways, keeping pollution out of our storm drains benefits all of us.

Keeping Our Streams and Rivers Clean Quote

Who Should Mark or Stencil Storm Drains?

Storm drain marking/stenciling is a good activity for anyone interested in helping to raise awareness about the connection between our storm drains and local waterways.

Possible Participant Teams:

Scout Groups
Middle School Students (with adult supervision)
High School Students
Homeowner Association (HOA) Groups

When Can Storm Drains be Marked or Stenciled?

Storm drain marking or stenciling is done on your own schedule, and you decide how many drains you want to mark or stencil. Spring, summer, and fall are the best times of year to participate in the program. The glue used to attach the markers to the concrete requires warm temperatures and completely dry pavement. Ideal temperatures are temperatures between 50- and 90- degrees Fahrenheit.

Storm Drain Marking/Stenciling Process

Fill out an application form and submit to the Watershed Protection and Restoration Program (WPRP) staff within the Planning Division, Department of Planning & Growth Management (PGM).
WPRP staff will provide markers or stencil kit, wire brush, door hangers and a map to guide participants to their storm drain locations. All items provided by the County are loaned out and returned upon project completion.
Perform your stenciling or marking project. Remember to only mark or stencil when both the weather and pavement are dry.
Hang door hangers in the neighborhood alerting your neighbors about the new markers or stencils and the importance of not dumping anything into storm drains.
Draw or mark on the map provided indicating where markers or stencils were added.
Return the map, stencils, brushes, and other supplies to County staff.