Adopt-A-Drain
Protecting Beaufort’s waterways, one storm drain at a time
Storm drains connect our streets directly to local waterways. Adopt-A-Drain is a community science and environmental stewardship program that invites students, residents, and visitors to explore Beaufort’s stormwater system while learning how everyday actions on land can affect coastal water quality.
Led by the DUML CSI and in collaboration with UNC-IMS and Coastal Carolina Riverwatch, the program combines community science, environmental education, public art, and hands-on stewardship to help people understand where stormwater goes, and how we can work together to protect our local waters.
Where Science Meets Public Art
Storm drains can also become opportunities for conversation.
CSI and DukeEngage students partnered with high school students from Mr. Rhinehardt’s class at East Carteret High School to repaint five storm drains in downtown Beaufort, refreshing public art installations designed to draw attention to the connection between our streets and waterways.
By bringing colorful environmental messages directly into public spaces, the painted drains remind residents and visitors that what enters a storm drain can ultimately reach our coastal waters.
Explore, Learn, and Take Action
Adopt-a-Drain offers several ways to explore stormwater and water quality in Beaufort.
Adopt a Drain
Become a citizen scientist by adopting a local storm drain and helping CSI collect information about storm drains throughout Beaufort.
Use our interactive platform to find drains, record observations, and contribute to our understanding of Beaufort’s stormwater system.
Adopt a drain here today!
Explore the Scavenger Hunt
Turn a walk through Beaufort into a water quality adventure!
Our interactive Adopt-A-Drain Scavenger Hunt guides participants to storm drains around town while introducing connections between stormwater pollution, local ecosystems, species interaction, and coastal water quality.
Start the Scavenger Hunt here!
Bring It Into the Classroom
Connect stormwater science with your students through CSI’s Water Quality classroom resources.
These hands-on activities combine science, community engagement, and local environmental observations to help students investigate how stormwater affects water quality.
Explore the classroom resource here!
