April 22, 2025

Clearing Debris From Catch Basin Grates Ensures Rainwater Drains Freely Into Sewer System

Volunteers Receive a Toolkit and Guide to Help Maintain Their Designated Catch Basins

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Council Member Lincoln Restler today announced the launch of the Adopt-a-Catch Basin Program, a new pilot initiative designed to empower community members in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, to take an active role in reducing local street flooding. The program seeks volunteers to help keep catch basin grates clear of debris, ensuring that rainwater can flow freely into the City’s sewer system. Participating Greenpointers receive a toolkit and a guide to help them maintain their designated catch basins. Twenty-five local volunteers have already adopted over 90 catch basins.

“Every New Yorker with a rake or broom can help their neighborhood prevent flooding simply by clearing leaves and debris from a catch basin,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “This initiative enables Greenpoint residents to adopt specific catch basins to care for, ensuring that rainwater continues to flow freely into the City’s sewer system. I thank Councilman Restler and the dedicated volunteers for embracing this important role in environmental stewardship.”

“Clearing out catch basins helps reduce flooding and keeps our streets cleaner! If we all do our part, we can make a major difference in strengthening resiliency on our block,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “I’m grateful to partner with the Department of Environmental Protection and to help activate Greenpoint neighbors to Adopt-A-Catch Basin on your corner.”

Catch basins, also known as storm drains, are an important part of New York City’s 7,500-mile sewer network. These curbside grates drain water off the streets into the underground network of sewer pipes that carry it to one of DEP’s 14 wastewater resource recovery facilities or directly into local waterways. Catch basin grates that become clogged with leaves, debris, or litter do not function properly and can cause street flooding.

Residents of Greenpoint who are interested in adopting a catch basin can fill out the Adopt-a-Catch Basin Volunteer Form. Once registered, DEP will assign a catch basin and provide participants with a toolkit that includes: a reflective safety vest, garbage and recycling bags, canvas gloves, a trash grabber, a rake, a Catch Basin Clearing Guide, and adoption certificate. (Toolkits are available while supplies last.) Volunteers will be asked to clear debris, such as leaves and litter, from their assigned catch basin’s grate. This will promote proper drainage and reduce the risk of localized flooding. After performing a clearing, volunteers should submit their observations using the Adopt-a-Catch Basin Reporting Form, sharing valuable feedback on how their catch basin is performing—especially after rainstorms.

Volunteers are asked to take the following steps and safety precautions when clearing catch basins:

• Always wear bright, reflective clothing for visibility.
• Perform all clearing activities from the sidewalk, staying out of roadways.
• Clear debris regularly and especially before and after rainstorms.
• Utilize the tools in your toolkit to clear debris from the top of the grate and dispose of litter with your household trash or recycling.
• Remember to submit your Adopt-a-Catch Basin Reporting Form after each clearing and inspection.
• If your catch basin is not draining after clearing, call 311 or fill in this online form.

While the public can help maintain catch basins, DEP is responsible for cleaning the interiors of the approximately 150,000 catch basins all across the city. The agency inspects and cleans these basins every six months to three years, depending on their condition and data collected from inspections and 311 calls. DEP debuted three new catch basin cleaning trucks last month, expanding the fleet to 49 specialized trucks.

If you’re interested in joining the Adopt-a-Catch Basin program but live outside the pilot area, email adopt@dep.nyc.gov with your name, address, and phone number. DEP will contact you when the program expands to your neighborhood.

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.3 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X.