Bring water back to St. Paul

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Help Us Bring Water Back to St. Paul.

When it rains, it drains. Rainwater from roofs and gutters drains from streets and alleys into storm drains. This rainwater picks up street pollution like dirt, oil and trash along the way and is not treated before it enters lakes and the Mississippi River. Redirect your downspout onto a lawn or garden area to allow rainwater to soak into the ground:

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Check Your Garage Gutters

Make sure all gutter downspouts drain onto lawn or garden areas, if possible. Click here for example photos.

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Take Action

If you have a garage gutter that drains onto a hard surface, redirect it if possible:

You Can Do the Work Yourself

If you'd like to do the work yourself, contact CRWD about reimbursement.

 

Remember, the goal of Stop the Rain Drain is to reduce polluted runoff entering our lakes and the Mississippi River, so reimbursement is only available for project supplies that direct or redirect stormwater running onto streets, alleys and sidewalks onto lawn or garden areas where it can instead soak into the ground. Don’t redirect if your lawn slopes back toward your garage, and don’t direct your downspout extension within ten feet of your neighbor’s garage.

 

Below are links to simple DIY instructions for preventing runoff on your property. Visit our website for a reimbursement form.

  • Simple redirection. If your downspout drains to the alley, but there's a garden nearby, a simple adjustment to the elbow or downspout extension may solve the problem. Download instructions.
  • Install a gutter. If your garage roof drains to a hard surface, install a length of gutter with a downspout directed to your lawn or garden. Follow these instructions.
  • Install a rain barrel. If you have a gutter downspout draining to the alley, you can intercept runoff in a rain barrel. Learn how to build a rain barrel.
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Be an Advocate

Once your gutter downspouts are in compliance, tell friends and neighbors about preventing water pollution. Encourage them to visit our website to learn more.

Don't stop at redirecting your downspouts, there are more ways to prevent water pollution in your yard. Click here for a list of small ways you can make a difference.