"Protect Water - Only Rain in Drain"

Many stormwater drains in our community are marked with this important message because stormwater drains lead directly or indirectly to streams and even the groundwater we drink. There are no filters in the stormwater drains to clean the water before it gets to the river.

Marking storm drains with medallions helps raise awareness about the link between the storm drain system and water quality. Pesticides and garden chemicals, soap from car washing, pet waste, and oil from cars all get washed off lawns and streets, down storm drains, and into our water.

Every year during the dry season, volunteers from schools, scout groups, community organizations, local businesses and churches help to mark storm drains with the message "Only Rain In Drain."

Many storm drains in the county have not been marked. You can request an area to mark stormwater drains such as your neighborhood or business. Only roads that have speed limits under 25 miles per hour can be marked with this program, for safety reasons.

All the equipment needed to install medallions as well as safety equipment are provided at no charge (if you need more, we will provide it). All you need is an area that needs marking, volunteers, and dry weather!

How to mark storm drains - watch this quick video to learn more.

Resource Information:

Medallions - Storm drain marking instructions and information

Volunteer forms

Project agreement form

Reporting form

Stenciling - Storm drain stenciling information

Stenciling instructional video

Email pwvolunteering@clark.wa.gov to get started!

If you live in the City of Vancouver, please contact their storm drain marking program at 360-487-8344 or email cityvolunteer@cityofvancouver.us. Webpage.