Why Storm Drain Stenciling Is One of the Most Impactful Community Environmental Actions You Can Take

Most people assume storm drains connect to a treatment facility — they don't. Storm drains flow directly and untreated into the nearest waterway. Everything washed in — motor oil, pet waste, fertilizers, litter, sediment — travels that same route with zero filtration.

A simple, visible message placed right at the drain — "Dump No Waste – Drains to Bay" — creates an immediate, lasting reminder at the exact point where pollution decisions are made.

Who Uses Storm Drain Stencils?

• 🏛️ Municipalities & Public Works Departments — fulfilling NPDES/MS4 stormwater permit public outreach requirements under the federal Clean Water Act
• 🌿 Environmental Nonprofits & Watershed Groups — raising awareness along entire drainage corridors
• 🏫 Schools & Universities — hands-on environmental education and service learning projects
• 🏘️ HOAs & Neighborhood Associations — protecting local water quality and property values
• 🏕️ Scout Troops & Youth Groups — a classic Eagle Scout project with visible, lasting impact
• 🧑‍💼 Corporate Sustainability Teams — ESG and community stewardship programs

Supporting Clean Water Act & NPDES Compliance

Under the federal Clean Water Act, municipalities operating Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) are required to obtain NPDES permits and implement public education programs as part of their stormwater management plans.

Storm drain stenciling is a widely recognized Best Management Practice (BMP) accepted by state and local regulatory agencies to satisfy those public outreach requirements. Whether you're a city public works department or a volunteer group, our stencils are a proven, affordable, and highly visible compliance tool.

Every Waterway Type Covered

We offer stencils for every local watershed so your message always matches your geography:

• Drains to Bay — coastal and estuarine communities
• Drains to Ocean — beachfront and coastal cities
• Drains to Lake — Great Lakes region and inland lake communities
• Drains to River — inland river corridor towns
• Drains to Stream — suburban and rural neighborhoods
• Drains to Groundwater — rural areas and communities on well water
• Protect Your Water — universal, works anywhere

Built for Real-World Use

Our stencils are made from durable, flexible material that lays flat on uneven pavement, cleans up easily, and stores compactly for reuse across multiple events and seasons. Whether you're marking 10 drains in an afternoon or running a city-wide annual program, these stencils are built for the work.

Available sizes:

• 30" × 18" sheet — 22.5" × 13.7" artwork, 3-inch letters — ideal for high-visibility streets
• 18" × 12" sheet — 15" × 9.2" artwork, 2-inch letters — ideal for standard residential streets

Need a custom size? Call 1-800-334-1776 or email service@stencilease.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to stencil storm drains?
Requirements vary by municipality. Many cities actively encourage or sponsor drain stenciling and will partner with volunteer groups. Contact your local public works or stormwater department before starting — they may also supply paint and document your project toward their NPDES reporting.

What paint should I use?
Water-based traffic marking paint or latex spray paint works best. Avoid oil-based paints — they can themselves contribute to stormwater runoff pollution.

Are the stencils reusable?
Yes. Simply rinse clean after each use and store flat. Many municipalities and volunteer groups reuse them for annual programs year after year.

Can I order custom text or a specific waterway name?
Absolutely. Call 1-800334-1776 - or email service@stencilease.com to discuss your project.

Does storm drain stenciling satisfy NPDES MS4 permit requirements?
Storm drain stenciling is widely recognized as a Best Management Practice (BMP) for public education and outreach under NPDES Phase I and Phase II MS4 permits. Drain marking programs are commonly accepted and documented by stormwater managers as satisfying public awareness elements of their stormwater management plans.