Protecting Our Waterbodies Starts Here - Town of Kittery Storm Drain Stenciling Information

Have you noticed any blue fish swimming along Kittery streets lately?  No, you're not seeing things - the fish are popping up for a great reason and it all has to do with protecting our waters!  In order to raise awareness for reducing stormwater pollution of our waters, the Town of Kittery Public Works Department, along with local volunteers, have been applying stencils alongside open grates in the street throughout Town.  

It is important to understand that these open grates, called storm drains or catch basins, lead directly to beloved local water bodies like Spruce Creek, Chauncey Creek, the Piscataqua River and eventually to the ocean.  Anything on the streets (pet waste, leaves, wrappers, dirt, cigarettes or any litter) ends up in these catch basins and can then flow out to our water bodies, untreated. During big rain events, even things on our lawns like excess fertilizer or pesticides can end up in the catch basins and water bodies. 

The Town of Kittery inspects and cleans approximately 921 catch basins each year. With your help in keeping these drains clean, we can protect our water bodies and minimize this catch basin cleaning effort. 

To learn more about Kittery's stormwater related efforts, please click here.

For more information and tips on keeping our waters healthy, please visit Think Blue Maine, by clicking here or follow the Southern Maine Stormwater Working Group on Facebook by clicking here.  Thanks for helping to keep our waters clean! 

If you have any questions, please contact Public Works Inspector, Jessa Kellogg at (207) 752-7242.