Storm events in Rhode Island can lead to billions of gallons of stormwater flowing into rivers, tributaries, and Narragansett Bay. While the rain from these storms is not inherently problematic, the stormwater collects debris and materials along its journey including litter, fertilizers, and bacteria from animal and pet waste. These challenges are exacerbated when humans use storm drains to dispose of items such as litter, pet waste, oil, paint, or other hazardous materials. This polluted stormwater makes its way to storm drains, damages the underground stormwater infrastructure, and eventually empties into our waterways.

To address the ongoing challenges that storm drain pollution can have on the environment, SNEP Network Partner, Save The Bay, runs a volunteer program that focuses on marking storm drains to raise awareness of their functionality and importance to clean and healthy watersheds.