1. Description of Adopt-a-Drain

   Adopt-a-Drain (AAD) is an initiative of the City of Virginia Beach. Storm drains in Virginia Beach neighborhoods drain to local waterways. AAD allows users to “adopt” storm drains in their neighborhood and commit to keeping them clear of leaves and other debris to reduce flooding and water pollution.

   Volunteer Waiver & Release Of Liability

   1. I am voluntarily participating in the City of Virginia Beach’s Public Works Department volunteer program. I have read and agree to follow the Volunteer Guidelines . I acknowledge my participation in these events does not come without the risk of injury or harm; I accept this risk, and assume responsibility for all liability and risk associated with my participation.
   2. I agree to hold harmless, release, waive and forever discharge the City of Virginia Beach, its employees, departments, officers and agents, from any and all claims or demands I may have by reason of any accident, illness, injury, loss, destruction or damage to property, arising or resulting directly or indirectly from my participation in this activity.
   3. I further covenant not to bring any legal action against the City of Virginia Beach, its employees, departments, officers and agents, for any injury, loss or damage resulting from my participation in this activity.
   4. This Waiver and Release is contractual and not a mere recital and applies whether or not injury or loss resulting from this activity is caused by an act or omission of the City, its employees, departments, officers or agents, negligent or otherwise.
   5. This Waiver and Release is binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and all of my family members, and applies to all losses, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, related to my participation in this activity.

Last updated November 28, 2017.

When you adopt a storm drain through the City of Virginia Beach Adopt-a-Drain program, you are volunteering to keep your storm drain clear from debris, such as grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, sediment, and trash. By taking care of your adopted storm drain, you’re helping to keep our local waterways clean and healthy.

Stay safe

Your well-being and enjoyment are important to the City. All volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in a safe, courteous and legal manner while participating in activities on City property or right-of-way. All volunteers must please observe the following guidelines when volunteering to keep drains clear of debris.

Do not adopt a drain located in a high-traffic area where clearing of the drain would present a risk to volunteers and/or motorists.

If children are helping, make sure adults are supervising.

Wear highly visible, brightly colored or reflective clothing to alert traffic and drivers.

Wear durable or heavy, closed toe, shoes/boots, preferably with ankle support.

Wear gloves and durable pants, tops, jackets, and hats.

Stay hydrated.

Cross streets at signals or crosswalks, not mid-block.

Collect the debris from the curb or sidewalk and stay out of the road whenever possible.

Work facing traffic.

Be aware of your surroundings, make sure to watch for cars; whenever possible, work with a partner who can watch for traffic hazards while you are cleaning the storm drain.

Do not block travel lanes.

Never attempt to clear debris if there is moving water greater than knee deep.

Be cautious when walking on potentially slippery and uneven surfaces.

Use a rake, shovel or other tool to remove material from the storm drain, NOT your hands.

Wash hands and any clothing after contact with stormwater runoff, which can contain pollutants, including bacteria. Have first aid supplies available.

Do NOT go into storm drains for any reason.

Call 911 for emergencies.

Debris Removal

If possible, clear the drain before it starts raining.

Clear about 10 feet on both sides of the drain.

Always sweep, rake or shovel glass. Never pick up sharp objects with your hands.

Only pick up debris that is on top of the drain or in the gutter. Do NOT enter or reach inside drain to retrieve trash or debris.

Do NOT remove the grate cover from the storm drain opening.

Use a broom to sweep up remaining sediment or debris around the drain.

Do not leave cleared debris near the drain. Please dispose of recyclables and garbage into home recycling or refuse containers.

Report Issues to the City

Please contact the Virginia Beach Public Works Operations Department (757-385-1470) to report any storm drains that need cleaning inside.

You may also call 757-385-1470 OR use the VB Works app to report clogged storm drains.

General Conduct

Be respectful when naming your drain through the Adopt-a-Drain webpage. Do not use profanity or insulting language.

Always be courteous to fellow volunteers and City employees.

Never use vulgar language or engage in threatening or disruptive actions.

Note: The City reserves the right to immediately withdraw support for any volunteer if, at the sole discretion of the City, the volunteer’s conduct while participating in volunteer activities on City property or right-of-way or online is determined to be inconsistent with these Volunteer Guidelines or violates any local, state or federal law.