City of Bloomington Utilities Advise Residents Keep Storm Drains Clear to Prevent Flooding

(BLOOMINGTON) – The City of Bloomington Utilities Department (CBU) alerts residents to the potential for flooding this weekend. 

Due to heavy snowfall during recent weeks and higher temperatures expected over the weekend, we will likely experience snowmelt. 

To complement the Street Division’s work clearing streets, residents are encouraged to clear snow, ice accumulation, and other debris from storm drains so that the anticipated high volume of snowmelt can easily reach the drains and prevent flooding.  


Residents are invited to assist with year-round efforts to reduce flood risk while increasing water quality by participating in the Adopt-a-Drain volunteer program.  The family-friendly endeavor gives residents the opportunity to commit to maintaining one of the 12,000 storm drains within City limits.  The only prerequisite for Adopt-a-Drain is to have a genuine concern for the well-being of our community.

Duties include: 

  • Inspecting storm drains at least once per month
  • Clearing storm drains when needed 
  • Completing and submitting Adopt-a-Drain Quarterly Reports

Reminders, including related stormwater tips and information, will be sent monthly.  Participants will also receive a notice in advance of weather-related events.

Volunteer applications may be submitted at bloomington.in.gov/utilities/stormwater/adopt-a-drain.

For more information, please contact City of Bloomington Utilities, Attn: Kriste Lindberg, Stormwater Education Specialist, stormwater@bloomington.in.gov, or phone (812) 349-3617.