

Site Search  search button

Why Stencil Storm Sewers?

Storm Sewer StencilingStorm Sewer Stencil
Instructions and Material List

Stencil templates
Stencil 1 
Stencil 2

Storm sewer stenciling is an easy and highly visible public awareness activity to inform Iowans of the connection between the land and water. Nearly all storm sewers discharge untreated storm water and anything carried by runoff directly into Iowa streams and lakes. By stenciling a standard phrase such as "Do Not Dump Drains To Stream," the direct connection between our actions and water quality can be made.

Dumping used motor oil, antifreeze, paint, pet waste and other materials into storm sewers is much the same as standing on the bank and pouring them directly into our streams or lakes. Fertilizing your lawn before a heavy rain or washing your car in the driveway also directly pollutes the streams and lakes in which we swim, fish and obtain our drinking water with high amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, metals, petroleum by-products and other hazardous materials.

Raising citizen awareness of the actions we take on land and the impact it has on our rivers and lakes is easy to achieve. Storm sewer stenciling activities cost very little, greatly heightens citizen awareness, and builds community pride. Storm stenciling is a community service project that can be accomplished by persons of all ages including school environmental groups, girl and boy scout troops, neighborhood associations, civic groups, or church groups.

DNR Contact
Kathleen Hennings