Terms of Service

I am voluntarily participating in the Town of Burlington’s Adopt-a-Drain program. I have read and agree to follow the Volunteer Guidelines, below and as you click on “What Does it Mean To Adopt a Drain?” on the site. I acknowledge my participation in these events does not come without the risk of injury or harm; I accept this risk and assume responsibility for all liability and risk associated with my participation. By signing up, I acknowledge that I am 18 years of age or older.

By signing up, I agree to allow Town of Burlington to send me emails related my adopted drains.

I understand that as a volunteer I control the dates and times when I do the work and that the Town of Burlington is not responsible for scheduling my volunteer work or monitoring my compliance with the guidelines. I also affirm that I am receiving no compensation or other consideration for my participation and that I have read, understand, and freely and willingly agree to the release and hold harmless provisions stated below.

I agree to hold harmless, release, waive and forever discharge the Town of Burlington (“the Town”) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (“the State”), their employees, departments, officers and agents, from any and all claims or demands I may have by reason of any accident, illness, injury, loss, destruction, or damage to property, arising or resulting directly or indirectly from my participation in this activity. I further agree not to bring any legal action against the Town of Burlington or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or their employees, departments, officers and agents, for any injury, loss or damage resulting from my participation in this activity. This Waiver and Release is contractual and not a mere recital and applies whether or not injury or loss resulting from this activity is caused by an act or omission of the Town or the State, their employees, departments, officers, or agents, negligent or otherwise.

This Waiver and Release is binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and all of my family members, and applies to all losses, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, related to my participation in this activity.

Last updated June 20, 2022.

What is an Adopt-a-Drain program? What does it mean to adopt a drain? An Adopt-a-Drain program is a volunteer program which helps keep our local environment clean and healthy. Participants sign up to adopt a drain (or drains!) and then check on that drain before and after heavy rain, wind, or snow. Any extra care is even better! Anything that goes down the drain ends up in the Malden and Mystic Rivers, which is why this program is so helpful. Keeping the drains clear can also help prevent streets from flooding as it ensures that water can freely flow down the drain.

What am I adopting? What is a storm drain? Storm drains are the grates you see in streets and roads. They’ll be to the side of the road, along the curb, and in Burlington are typically square. Since asphalt and pavement can’t absorb water, any rain and melting snow flow along the street and into these drains. A basin below the grates, called a catch basin, is meant to collect this water and any debris but it can fill up quickly and doesn’t capture everything. Water that goes into the drains - and anything in that water, like trash - doesn’t get treated or go to a wastewater plant, instead it empties into nearby water bodies.

Drain Cleaning Instructions

1. Be mindful of road traffic and keep an eye out for cars, trucks, and bicycles when clearing your drain. Work from the sidewalk as much as possible.
2. Clear any debris that is directly blocking your storm drain, and clear an area a few feet around the drain to remove anything that could get swept in or block the drain. This might include leaves, sticks, snow, or trash.
3. Wear gloves or use a rake or broom to clear the drain, and use caution when picking up debris.
4. Dispose of trash or recyclables as you would normally, in their appropriate bins. Organic material like leaves and sticks can be disposed of with your yard waste. Visit Burlington's trash and recycling page if you have questions about how to dispose of anything you clear out of your drain.
5. Never try to remove the grate or reach inside the storm drain.
6. Be sure to check your drain around major weather events - before and after it rains, or after a snow storm.
7. Check if your drain has a label saying “No Dumping, Drains to River.” If it doesn’t, let us know if you’d like to help out and add one by contacting the Mystic River Watershed Association at contact@mysticriver.org.
8. If anything appears to be broken, or you have any concerns about your drain, please report non-emergency issues by contacting Public Works at 781-270-1670.
9. Please contact contact@mysticriver.org with any other questions about the program or stormwater in general.

General Volunteer Guidelines

Thank you for your dedication to Burlington! Your well-being and enjoyment are important to us. All volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in a safe, courteous and legal manner while participating in activities on Town property or right-of-way. Please follow these guidelines:

General Safety

1. Wear appropriate footwear, clothing, sunscreen and eye protection (when necessary).
2. Be extra careful in wet or slippery conditions.
3. Report non-emergency issues by contacting Public Works at 781-270-1670. Call 911 for emergencies.

Traffic Safety

1. Stay out of the street as much as possible, and work from the sidewalk if you can.
2. Wear a bright reflective work vest or bright-colored clothing.
3. Cross streets at signals or crosswalks, not mid-block.

Working Near Waterways

1. Always work with a partner near water.
2. Watch your footing on slopes and shorelines.
3. Never allow children to work on steep slopes or near shorelines without adult supervision.

Debris Removal

1. Wear gloves or use a rake or broom to clear the drain, and use caution when picking up debris. Always sweep, rake or shovel glass. Never pick up sharp objects with your hands.
2. Separate collected materials into the appropriate garbage, recycling, yard waste, or compost bins.
3. Never touch hazardous or medical waste (including automotive fluids and hypodermic needles). Report such items by contacting Public Works at 781-270-1670.

General Conduct

1. Always be courteous to fellow volunteers and Town employees.
2. Never make unauthorized changes to Town property or right-of-way, including landscaping.

Terms of Service

I am voluntarily participating in the Town of Burlington’s Adopt-a-Drain program. I have read and agree to follow the Volunteer Guidelines, below and as you click on “What Does it Mean To Adopt a Drain?” on the site. I acknowledge my participation in these events does not come without the risk of injury or harm; I accept this risk and assume responsibility for all liability and risk associated with my participation. By signing up, I acknowledge that I am 18 years of age or older.

By signing up, I agree to allow Town of Burlington to send me emails related my adopted drains.

I understand that as a volunteer I control the dates and times when I do the work and that the Town of Burlington is not responsible for scheduling my volunteer work or monitoring my compliance with the guidelines. I also affirm that I am receiving no compensation or other consideration for my participation and that I have read, understand, and freely and willingly agree to the release and hold harmless provisions stated below.

I agree to hold harmless, release, waive and forever discharge the Town of Burlington (“the Town”) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (“the State”), their employees, departments, officers and agents, from any and all claims or demands I may have by reason of any accident, illness, injury, loss, destruction, or damage to property, arising or resulting directly or indirectly from my participation in this activity. I further agree not to bring any legal action against the Town of Burlington or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or their employees, departments, officers and agents, for any injury, loss or damage resulting from my participation in this activity. This Waiver and Release is contractual and not a mere recital and applies whether or not injury or loss resulting from this activity is caused by an act or omission of the Town or the State, their employees, departments, officers, or agents, negligent or otherwise.

This Waiver and Release is binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and all of my family members, and applies to all losses, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, related to my participation in this activity.

Last updated June 20, 2022.