For many years, Bellevue has had a storm drain stenciling program to help fish and raise awareness that only rain should go into the storm drain system. Because the painted stencils often wear off after a couple of years, the city is trying out a new colorful storm drain marker that lasts up to 15 years.
Now volunteers can stencil a message with paint or apply the new storm drain markers with the message
“Don’t Pollute. Drains To Stream.” Choose your own neighborhood or an assigned location. Everything needed is provided free of charge.
If you would like to stencil or apply markers to storm drains, please contact Karren Gratt at 425-452-6166 or kgratt@bellevuewa.gov
.
Did you know that the City of Bellevue is home to more than 60 miles of open streams; 850 acres of wetlands;
3 small lakes; and numerous ponds? Everything that goes into the city’s over 20,000 public storm drains flows into these bodies of water. Hazardous chemicals, such as pesticides, paint and used motor oil that are poured into storm drains or flow from local property into the closest storm drain are harmful to water quality and habitat. Even biodegradable soap is toxic to fish and the bugs they eat! Help keep water clean by stenciling a storm drain or applying the new colorful stickers that remind people not to pollute.